Mauprat · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
Bernard and the abbé discuss the threat posed by John Mauprat, who has returned disguised as a Trappist monk.
What happens
Bernard and the abbé discuss the threat posed by John Mauprat, who has returned disguised as a Trappist monk. The abbé warns of the dangers of clerical intrigue and legal manipulation. Bernard returns home to find Edmée and the chevalier terrified after John's visit, during which he feigned penitence and caused the chevalier to faint. Edmée urges Bernard to buy John off with money to avoid further trouble.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Hypocrisy
John Mauprat's disguise as a Trappist monk and the prior's manipulation highlight the hypocrisy and self-interest behind religious piety.
Family and Heredity
The conflict between Bernard and John Mauprat underscores the destructive legacy of the Mauprat family and the threat of kin seeking to exploit familial ties.
Justice and Injustice
The abbé's warnings about corrupt legal proceedings and the difficulty of obtaining justice against a cunning adversary reflect the theme of injustice.
Characters to notice
- Bernard Mauprat
Returns home to find Edmée and the chevalier distressed after John Mauprat's visit; vows to confront John.
- Edmée de Mauprat
Describes John Mauprat's terrifying visit to her father; urges Bernard to pay John off to avoid persecution.
- Hubert de Mauprat
Faints after being confronted by John Mauprat; later calmed by Edmée.
- Abbé Aubert
Warns Bernard about the dangers of clerical scheming and legal corruption; advises caution.
- John Mauprat
Disguised as a Trappist monk, visits the château and frightens Edmée and the chevalier with feigned penitence.
- Marcasse
Mentioned by Bernard as a capable tracker to monitor John Mauprat's movements.
Key passages
“I firmly believe that he would give himself up to the sword of justice solely for the pleasure of compassing your ruin with his own, and that the desire to found a monastery with your money is a sudden inspiration, the honour of which belongs entirely to the prior of the Carmelites”
The abbé suggests that John Mauprat might sacrifice himself to the law just to ruin Bernard, and that the plan to build a monastery with Bernard's money was likely the prior's idea.
Reflects the abbé's distrust of John's motives and clerical manipulation.
“I seized her in my arms. She was kneeling beside her father's armchair and pressing to her lips the old man's icy hands.”
Bernard found Edmée kneeling by her father, kissing his cold hands, and embraced her.
Shows Bernard's concern and the emotional aftermath of John's visit.
“The abominable coward has lost no time, you see, abbé. His aim was to frighten the chevalier and Edmée, and he has succeeded; but he reckoned without me”
Bernard declares that John's plan to terrorize the chevalier and Edmée worked, but he underestimated Bernard's resolve.
Highlights Bernard's anger and determination to confront John.