Mauprat · Chapter
XII explained
Bernard describes his new life in Paris, where he is educated by Abbé Aubert and observes high society.
What happens
Bernard describes his new life in Paris, where he is educated by Abbé Aubert and observes high society. He reflects on his love for Edmée, his disdain for the artificiality of Parisian women, and his growing philosophical fervor for Enlightenment ideals. Edmée gains social success, while Bernard struggles with jealousy and pride.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Fidelity
Bernard's love for Edmée is central; he compares all women unfavorably to her and uses his observations to express his devotion.
Social Class and Inequality
Bernard reflects on his rise from poverty to wealth, and observes the artificiality and privilege of Parisian high society.
Gender and Power
Bernard criticizes Parisian women's coquetry and manners, while Edmée is portrayed as a model of modest intelligence.
Characters to notice
- Bernard Mauprat
Narrates his transition to Parisian life, his education, and his critical observations of society.
- Edmée de Mauprat
Bernard's cousin and love interest; she gains social success in Paris and reproaches Bernard for his malevolence.
- Abbé Aubert
Bernard's tutor who guides his education and helps him navigate society.
- Hubert de Mauprat
Bernard's uncle and Edmée's father; he defends the fair sex in evening discussions.
- M. de la Marche
Edmée's fiancé, mentioned as a nearly ruined scion of a famous family.
Key passages
“This visit marked a new phase in my life. At Sainte-Severe I had been absorbed in my love and my work. I had concentrated all my energies upon these two points. No sooner had I arrived at Paris than a thick curtain seemed to fall before my eyes, and, for several days, as I could not understand anything, I felt astonished at nothing.”
Bernard says that coming to Paris was a turning point; after focusing only on love and work at Sainte-Severe, he felt disoriented and amazed by the unfamiliar city.
Bernard describes his initial confusion upon arriving in Paris.
“I was astounded at the decay of the faculties of these women, whom everybody extolled; to me they seemed ridiculous in their studied posings, and their grand society manners looked very much like insufferable effrontery.”
Bernard is shocked by the artificiality of admired society women, finding their poses and manners ridiculous and arrogant.
Bernard's harsh judgment of Parisian women's behavior.
“It was necessary to remind you of this in order that you might understand the admiration which I had at first for a world apparently so disinterested, so courageous, so eager in the pursuit of truth, and likewise the disgust which I was soon to feel for so much affectation and levity, for such an abuse of the most hallowed words and the most sacred convictions.”
Bernard explains that he initially admired the Enlightenment world for its apparent sincerity, but soon grew disgusted by its hypocrisy and frivolity.
Bernard reflects on his changing view of Parisian intellectual society.