# Chapter XXIX explained — Mauprat

> Chapter companion for Mauprat by George Sand.

## What happens

Bernard recounts the trial of Antony Mauprat, who confesses to crimes and accuses the Trappist of poisoning. Bernard is acquitted and arrives in time for Hubert de Mauprat's death, who blesses him and Edmée. After Hubert's death, Bernard and Edmée leave the province. Edmée explains to Bernard that she loved him from early on but had to wait and sacrifice for her father's happiness, leading to their eventual union.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Fidelity

Edmée's confession of her deep and enduring love for Bernard, and her steadfastness despite his flaws, highlights the theme of love and fidelity.

### Justice and Injustice

Bernard's acquittal and Antony's confession and execution illustrate the workings of justice, while the Trappist's escape from punishment shows its limits.

### Family and Heredity

The Mauprat family's violent tendencies and the poisoning accusations underscore the theme of family and heredity.

## Character check-ins

### Edmée de Mauprat

Confesses her love for Bernard to the abbé, describing her complex feelings; later explains her decision to wait and sacrifice for her father.

### Bernard Mauprat

Narrates the trial and acquittal; hears Edmée's confession of love; is present at Hubert's death.

### Hubert de Mauprat

Dies at the end of the chapter, blessing Bernard and Edmée and putting Bernard's hand into Edmée's.

### Antony Mauprat

Confesses to crimes and accuses the Trappist of poisoning; is condemned to be broken on the wheel.

### The Trappist

Accused by Antony of poisoning; denies charges; is acquitted and sent back to the monastery.

### Patience

Mentioned as one of Bernard's sole defenders during the trial.

## Key lines

> I love him! Yes, I love him! I am smitten with him, as you say. It is not my fault; why should I blush at it? I cannot help it; it is the work of fate.

Edmée declares her love for Bernard, asserting it is beyond her control and not something to be ashamed of.

_Edmée's passionate confession to the abbé reveals her deep, involuntary love for Bernard._

> I sacrificed you to my father, my poor Bernard; and Heaven, who would have cursed us if I had sacrificed my father, rewards us today by giving us to each other, tried and not found wanting.

Edmée explains that she put her father's happiness first, and now they are rewarded with a lasting union.

_Edmée justifies her past decisions to Bernard, emphasizing duty and eventual reward._

## Links

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