# XIII explained — Mauprat

> Chapter companion for Mauprat by George Sand.

## What happens

Bernard's jealousy intensifies as he observes Edmée's interactions with M. de la Marche and other suitors. He reflects on her promise to marry him, her motherly care, and her icy restraint when his passion shows. After a tense confrontation where Edmée reveals de la Marche's willingness to marry her despite believing she was dishonored at Roche-Mauprat, Bernard erupts with violent threats. Edmée coldly dismisses him, and Bernard retreats in despair, refusing the Abbé's attempts to counsel him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Fidelity

Bernard's obsessive love clashes with Edmée's cautious fidelity; the chapter explores the tension between passionate devotion and rational commitment.

### Gender and Power

Edmée wields subtle power through her composure and irony, while Bernard's violent threats reveal his attempt to assert dominance in the relationship.

### Moral Transformation

Bernard's struggle to control his jealousy and rage highlights his incomplete moral development, contrasting with Edmée's enlightened ideals.

## Character check-ins

### Bernard Mauprat

Consumed by jealousy and rage, Bernard threatens violence against any rival and even Edmée, revealing his ungoverned passions.

### Edmée de Mauprat

Maintains her composure and irony, testing Bernard's character and refusing to be intimidated by his outburst.

### M. de la Marche

Mentioned as Edmée's suitor; his willingness to marry her despite believing she was dishonored highlights his 'sublime devotion' or hidden motives.

### Abbé Aubert

Returns to find Bernard agitated; he attempts to counsel Bernard on love and moderation but is rebuffed.

### Sir Arthur Lee

Mentioned as having honored Bernard with kindness and advice, contributing to Bernard's pretensions to 'American' sublimity.

### Franklin

Referenced as a figure to whom Bernard was introduced as a devotee of liberty, influencing his self-image.

## Key lines

> I will submit to the decree dictated by your first impulse.

I will accept whatever decision you make based on your initial feeling.

_Bernard's hollow offer to release Edmée from her promise, immediately undercut by his subsequent rage._

> I understand nothing except that I love you madly, and that these nails of mine shall tear out the heart of any man who tries to win you from me.

All I know is that I am crazily in love with you, and I will violently destroy any rival who attempts to take you from me.

_Bernard's raw, violent declaration of possessiveness and jealousy._

> Mauprat the Hamstringer!

You are just like the brutal Mauprats who cripple their enemies.

_Edmée's icy retort, invoking Bernard's family's savage reputation to shame him._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mauprat_se/chapters/xiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mauprat_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mauprat_se/chapters