# Chapter XV explained — Mauprat

> Chapter companion for Mauprat by George Sand.

## What happens

Bernard recounts his time in America, his friendship with Arthur Lee, and his separation from Arthur when he joins the French army. Marcasse joins Bernard as a sergeant after serving M. de la Marche, and Bernard struggles to get news of Edmée from Marcasse, who remains evasive. The chapter ends with Bernard sailing back to France, longing to see Edmée.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Fidelity

Bernard's unwavering passion for Edmée drives his actions and suffering during his absence.

### Social Class and Inequality

Marcasse's revolutionary enthusiasm for levelling and redistribution of wealth reflects class tensions.

### Justice and Injustice

Marcasse dreams of a just society inspired by the American Revolution and Washington.

## Character check-ins

### Bernard Mauprat

Narrator reflecting on his time in America, his passion for Edmée, and his return to France.

### Marcasse

Leaves Sainte-Severe to serve M. de la Marche, then joins Bernard in America as a sergeant; shows revolutionary enthusiasm and loyalty.

### Edmée de Mauprat

Bernard's beloved; he longs for news of her but Marcasse refuses to give details.

### Sir Arthur Lee

Bernard's close friend in America; they separate when Bernard joins the French army.

### M. de la Marche

Marcasse's master in America; offers him money and letters of recommendation to volunteer.

### Patience

Marcasse's friend at Sainte-Severe; influences Marcasse's republican ideas and cares for Blaireau.

### Blaireau

Marcasse's dog, left with Patience; Marcasse misses him.

### Abbé Aubert

Marcasse questions him about joining the America expedition without revealing his plans.

## Key lines

> The one thing to be feared was that he might not be able to accustom himself to his loss of independence.

The main concern was that he might struggle to adapt to losing his freedom.

_Reflects Marcasse's transition from independence to service._

> I had begun to chafe at my long absence from France; my passion had been growing ever greater, and left no room for the intoxication of military glory.

I grew impatient with my long stay away from France; my love had become so strong that military fame no longer excited me.

_Bernard's longing for Edmée overshadows his military achievements._

> Marcasse turned his eyes upon the individual who seemed to be so well acquainted with his life; but, feeling sure that he had never seen him before, he acted as he was wont to do when he did not understand; he raised his hat and bowed respectfully.

Marcasse looked at the stranger who knew so much about him, but since he didn't recognize him, he politely tipped his hat and bowed, as he always did when confused.

_Illustrates Marcasse's characteristic politeness and reserve._

## Links

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