Mauprat · Chapter
VI explained
Bernard recounts the death of his grandfather and the subsequent decline of the Mauprat band into thievery and disgrace.
What happens
Bernard recounts the death of his grandfather and the subsequent decline of the Mauprat band into thievery and disgrace. He describes his own conflicted feelings, his captivity, and the growing threat from authorities. The chapter culminates in the arrival of Edmée de Mauprat as a captive and a violent attack on the fortress.
Themes in this chapter
Moral Transformation
Bernard begins to question his life of banditry and feels aversion to the dishonesty of his uncles.
Family and Heredity
The Mauprat family's internal dynamics and the tension between loyalty and survival.
Justice and Injustice
The Mauprats face legal repercussions for their crimes; Bernard reflects on his own sense of right and wrong.
Characters to notice
- Bernard Mauprat
Narrator and protagonist; reflects on his youth as a bandit and his internal conflict.
- Edmée de Mauprat
Arrives as a captive at Roche-Mauprat; pleads with Bernard for her father's safety.
- John Mauprat
Proposes the shift to thievery and schemes against Bernard.
- Antony Mauprat
Argues to keep Bernard alive; participates in the raid and the capture of Edmée.
- Hubert de Mauprat
Edmée's father; mentioned as trying to rescue her and as having wanted to adopt Bernard.
- Laurence
One of Bernard's uncles; wounded in a skirmish and later calls for Bernard during the attack.
Key passages
“I was fifteen when my grandfather died. At Roche-Mauprat his death caused no sorrow, but infinite consternation.”
At age fifteen, Bernard's grandfather died, bringing not grief but great worry to the household.
Bernard sets the scene for the family's decline after the patriarch's death.
“From brigands we became pickpockets, and our detested name sank lower and lower in infamy.”
The Mauprats stooped to thievery at fairs, further tarnishing their already infamous reputation.
Describes the moral degradation of the family after the grandfather's death.
“I swear by Christ, that I am Edmée, your cousin, your prisoner—yes, and your friend; for I have always felt an interest in you.”
Edmée declares her identity and appeals to Bernard's better nature, claiming she has always cared about him.
Edmée's plea to Bernard marks a turning point in their relationship.