XXV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Justice and Injustice

  The trial is marked by biased crowds, suborned witnesses, and a magistrate's overreach, highlighting the gap between legal form and true justice.

• Religion and Hypocrisy

  Monks and clergy incite against Bernard while the Trappist plays a theatrical role; John Mauprat's fiendish mirth contrasts with his pious reputation.

Characters to notice

• Bernard Mauprat

  The defendant, calm but melancholic, gives brief answers and maintains his innocence.

• Abbé Aubert

  Testifies reluctantly, refuses to reveal a secret, and is arrested for contempt.

• John Mauprat

  Present in court, shows fiendish mirth at the abbé's discomfort.

• Mademoiselle Leblanc

  Testifies against Bernard, claiming he dishonored Edmée and caused her to break off her engagement.

• The Trappist

  Voluntarily approaches the bar and is confronted with witnesses who say he is not the monk they saw.

• Marcasse

  The only witness considered truly for the defense.

Key passages

• “I saw and heard everything with that tranquility which springs from a profound disgust of life; even as a traveller who has come to the end of his journey, may look with indifference and weariness on the eager bustle of those who are setting off for a more distant goal.”

  Bernard observes the trial with the calm detachment of someone who has lost all will to live, like a weary traveler watching others depart on a longer journey.

  Bernard's emotional state at the start of the trial.

• “The abbé allowed himself to be led away with unaffected calmness. The spectators were filled with respect, and a profound silence reigned in court, in spite of the bitter efforts of the monks and curés, who continued to revile the heretic in an undertone.”

  The abbé was taken to prison calmly, earning the crowd's respect and silencing the court, despite the monks' muttered insults.

  The abbé's dignified response to his arrest.