# XXI explained — Mauprat

> Chapter companion for Mauprat by George Sand.

## What happens

Bernard describes the intense suffering and delight of being constantly in Edmée's presence. He writes her a passionate, desperate letter expressing his torment and jealousy, but receives no reply. During a hunt, Bernard becomes increasingly agitated and, after a wild gallop through the woods, seizes Edmée's bridle, causing her to fall from her horse. He catches her in his arms, but she rebukes him sharply.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Fidelity

Bernard's obsessive love for Edmée is central to the chapter, as he struggles with his passion and jealousy, questioning her fidelity and his own.

### Moral Transformation

Bernard's internal conflict between his 'brigand' past and his desire to reform is evident in his letter and actions, though he relapses into violent behavior.

### Gender and Power

Edmée's control over Bernard through her silence and impenetrable demeanor contrasts with Bernard's physical aggression during the hunt, highlighting power dynamics.

## Character check-ins

### Edmée de Mauprat

Edmée is the object of Bernard's obsessive love. She remains calm and impenetrable, reading Bernard's soul without revealing her own. During the hunt, she rides recklessly and is forced to dismount when Bernard seizes her bridle.

### Bernard Mauprat

Bernard is tormented by his passion for Edmée. He writes her a frenzied letter and later, during a hunt, becomes delirious with excitement and jealousy, causing Edmée to fall from her horse.

### Hubert de Mauprat

Hubert, Edmée's father, gives permission for Edmée to gallop during the hunt and urges Bernard to follow her.

## Key lines

> These days, passed in Edmée’s presence, were for me days of delight, yet of suffering.

Being with Edmée brought both joy and pain.

_Bernard reflects on the bittersweet nature of his time with Edmée._

> I wrote her an insane letter which came nigh to producing terrible consequences for me

I wrote a crazy letter that almost caused serious trouble.

_Bernard acknowledges the dangerous nature of his letter._

> I shuddered as I saw her bending like a reed under the branches, while her horse, which she was still urging on, carried her between the trees with the rapidity of lightning.

I was terrified watching her lean low under branches as her horse sped through the trees like lightning.

_Bernard describes the perilous speed of Edmée's ride._

## Links

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