# Chapter XXIII explained — Mauprat

> Chapter companion for Mauprat by George Sand.

## What happens

Bernard confronts Patience and Marcasse, who believe him guilty of shooting Edmée. Patience urges him to flee to avoid justice, but Bernard refuses, insisting on his innocence and demanding a fair investigation. He returns to the château, forces his way into Edmée's room to learn her condition, and then surrenders to the police.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Injustice

Bernard demands a fair trial despite being presumed guilty by Patience and others, highlighting the tension between mob opinion and legal justice.

### Love and Fidelity

Bernard's devotion to Edmée drives his refusal to flee and his final act of kissing her hand before surrendering.

### Moral Transformation

Bernard's insistence on facing justice rather than escaping shows his growth from a wild youth to a man of principle.

## Character check-ins

### Bernard Mauprat

Defiantly insists on his innocence, refuses to flee, and ultimately surrenders to the police after seeing Edmée.

### Patience

Convinced of Bernard's guilt, he tries to persuade him to escape but later shows pity and affection.

### Marcasse

Weeps for Bernard and tries to defend him, though he also believes him guilty.

### Edmée de Mauprat

Lies wounded and delirious; Bernard learns her wounds are not mortal but fears tetanus.

### Mademoiselle Leblanc

Denounces Bernard to the police and is pushed aside when he forces his way into Edmée's room.

### Abbé Aubert

Present in Edmée's room with the doctor, alarmed by Bernard's intrusion.

## Key lines

> I am innocent of this crime, and my one wish is that the matter may be fully investigated, so that I may be acquitted

Bernard declares his innocence and demands a proper investigation to clear his name.

_Bernard's steadfast claim of innocence in the face of widespread suspicion._

> I prefer the bar of justice to that of mere opinion.

Bernard would rather face a legal trial than be judged by public rumor.

_Highlights the theme of justice versus prejudice._

> I took Edmée’s hand, cold and lifeless, as ever. I kissed it a last time, and, without saying a single word to the others, went and gave myself up to the police.

Bernard kisses Edmée's hand one last time and then surrenders to the authorities.

_A poignant moment of farewell and acceptance of his fate._

## Links

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