Mauprat · Chapter
XIV explained
Bernard, now in America, reflects on his love for Edmée through conversations with his friend Arthur Lee.
What happens
Bernard, now in America, reflects on his love for Edmée through conversations with his friend Arthur Lee. Arthur advises Bernard to distinguish love from desire, and reassures him that Edmée's silence and sacrifices prove her faithfulness. Bernard receives news that M. de la Marche has left for America, easing his jealousy. He describes his military service under Washington, his rapid rise to officer, and his friendship with a young naturalist who shares his scientific passions. Bernard's thoughts constantly return to Edmée, whom he sees as a guiding Madonna.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Fidelity
Arthur Lee's discourse on distinguishing love from desire, and Edmée's silent faithfulness.
Moral Transformation
Bernard's growth through military service and friendship, striving to become worthy of Edmée.
Nature and Civilization
The contrast between the wild American forests and the cultivated park at Sainte-Severe; the naturalist's scientific pursuits.
Characters to notice
- Bernard Mauprat
Narrates his time in America, his military service, and his enduring love for Edmée.
- Sir Arthur Lee
Bernard's friend and confidant in America; offers wisdom on love and reassures Bernard of Edmée's affection.
- Edmée de Mauprat
Constantly in Bernard's thoughts; her faithfulness and sacrifices are discussed by Arthur.
- M. de la Marche
Reported to have left for America as a regimental commander, easing Bernard's jealousy.
- Abbé Aubert
Writes to Bernard with news about M. de la Marche's departure and financial ruin.
- Patience
Mentioned in Bernard's memory of evening visits to his hut at Sainte-Severe.
- Franklin
Referenced as a namesake for a bee in the naturalist's classifications.
Key passages
“You must learn, then, to distinguish love from desire; desire wishes to break through the very impediments by which it is attracted, and it dies amid the ruins of the virtue it has vanquished; love wishes to live, and in order to do that, it would fain see the object of its worship long defended by that wall of adamant whose strength and splendour mean true worth and true beauty.”
Arthur explains that desire seeks to overcome obstacles and fades once virtue is destroyed, while love wants to endure and therefore cherishes the beloved's integrity and moral strength.
Arthur's philosophical advice to Bernard on the nature of true love.
“My boy, cannot you see that if she did not want to marry you, she would have found a hundred ways of ridding herself of your pretensions forever?”
Arthur tells Bernard that Edmée's willingness to endure his faults proves her genuine love, as she could easily have rejected him otherwise.
Arthur reassures Bernard of Edmée's commitment.
“I will only state that from the humble position which I gladly accepted in the beginning in Washington's army, I rose regularly but rapidly to the rank of officer.”
Bernard notes his steady promotion from a lowly start in Washington's forces to becoming an officer.
Bernard's military progress in America.
“He was an admirable young man, as pure as an angel, as unselfish as a stoic, as patient as a savant, and withal cheerful and affectionate.”
Bernard praises his naturalist friend for his angelic purity, stoic selflessness, scholarly patience, and warm cheerfulness.
Description of Bernard's close friend in America.
