Mauprat · Chapter
Chapter XXII explained
Bernard recounts his intense emotional turmoil upon returning to Gazeau Tower, where he struggles with his violent instincts and his love for Edmée.
What happens
Bernard recounts his intense emotional turmoil upon returning to Gazeau Tower, where he struggles with his violent instincts and his love for Edmée. After a heated confrontation, he flees into the forest, only to hear a gunshot and find Edmée wounded and unconscious. Patience accuses Bernard of being the murderer. Bernard falls into a delirious state, cared for by Marcasse, and later learns that Edmée is not dead but gravely injured, though he has no memory of the shooting.
Themes in this chapter
Moral Transformation
Bernard's internal struggle to overcome his savage instincts and his triumph in resisting temptation, marking a pivotal moment in his moral development.
Love and Fidelity
Bernard's intense, conflicted love for Edmée drives his actions and his despair, while Marcasse's unwavering loyalty highlights fidelity.
Justice and Injustice
Patience's immediate accusation of Bernard as the murderer sets up a theme of perceived justice versus the truth of the accident.
Characters to notice
- Bernard Mauprat
Struggles with his violent instincts and love for Edmée, flees after a confrontation, and later falls into delirium upon finding Edmée shot.
- Edmée de Mauprat
Confronts Bernard at Gazeau Tower, orders him away, and is later found shot and unconscious.
- Patience
Finds Edmée wounded and accuses Bernard of being the murderer, vowing to avenge her.
- Marcasse
Cares for Bernard during his delirium, later informs him that Edmée is alive.
- Abbé Aubert
Searches for Edmée, finds her wounded, and attempts to stanch her bleeding.
- Hubert de Mauprat
Filled with apprehension when Edmée goes missing, later appears at the scene with remarkable composure.
Key passages
“I had trampled down all other passions; scarcely a trace of them remained in me. I was sober; if not gentle and patient, I was at least capable of affection and sympathy; I had a profound sense of the laws of honour, and the highest respect for the dignity of others.”
Bernard reflects on how he has suppressed his other vices, becoming sober and respectful, though still struggling with love.
Highlights Bernard's moral growth and the lingering challenge of his passion for Edmée.
“Never did Edmée know the danger her honour ran in that minute of agony, and never have I ceased to feel remorse for it; but God alone shall be my Judge, for I triumphed, and this was the last evil thought of my life.”
Bernard admits he nearly assaulted Edmée but overcame the impulse, calling it his last evil thought.
Emphasizes Bernard's internal victory over his violent instincts and his lasting remorse.
“Take away that creature, said Patience to the abbé, casting a look of contempt on me. His perverse nature is what it always was.”
Patience accuses Bernard of being the murderer, believing his inherent wickedness has not changed.
Illustrates Patience's misjudgment and the theme of injustice.