# Chapter XXVII explained — Mauprat

> Chapter companion for Mauprat by George Sand.

## What happens

At Bernard's second trial, Patience testifies, initially stating he heard Bernard confess to shooting Edmée but later became convinced of his innocence. He reveals that he tracked down a mysterious monk, identifying him as Antony Mauprat, the true culprit. Edmée appears in court, pale and beautiful, and embraces Bernard before fainting, swaying public opinion in his favor.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Injustice

The trial highlights the struggle for truth and the flaws in the judicial process, as Patience's evidence shifts the case.

### Moral Transformation

Bernard's character is debated; Patience's belief in his goodness contrasts with the accusation of murder.

### Family and Heredity

The Mauprat family's violent legacy is central, with Antony Mauprat revealed as the true culprit.

## Character check-ins

### Bernard Mauprat

The accused, present at his trial, agitated but striving to appear calm; rushes to embrace Edmée when she appears.

### Edmée de Mauprat

Appears veiled in court, pale and sublime; embraces Bernard and then faints, showing signs of recovery.

### Patience

Key witness who testifies about Bernard's alleged confession and later identifies Antony Mauprat as the true murderer.

### Sir Arthur Lee

Leads Edmée into court, requests medical examination and her recall to testify.

### Antony Mauprat

Identified by Patience as the murderer of Edmée, disguised as a monk.

### Abbé Aubert

The only person who heard Bernard's alleged confession according to Patience.

## Key lines

> I will speak the truth, the whole truth. I take the oath for the second time; for I have to speak of things that seem contradictory, things that I cannot explain to myself.

Patience swears to tell the truth despite the apparent contradictions in his testimony.

_Patience's oath underscores his integrity and the complexity of the evidence._

> I maintain that she told nobody (and least of all Mademoiselle Leblanc) what had passed between herself and M. de Mauprat before the gun was fired.

Patience asserts that Edmée never revealed her conversation with Bernard before the shooting.

_This highlights the ambiguity of the events and Edmée's silence._

## Links

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