# Canto VII: The Old Men explained — Mirèio

> Chapter companion for Mirèio by Frédéric Mistral.

## What happens

Ambroi pleads with Ramoun for his son Vincen's love for Mirèio, recounting a cautionary tale of a servant who loved above his station. Ramoun rejects the plea, insisting on parental authority. Mirèio declares her love for Vincen, provoking her mother's scorn and Ramoun's fury. The chapter ends with a St. John's Eve celebration, where reapers dance and leap over flames.

## Themes in this chapter

### Parental Authority vs. Filial Rebellion

Ramoun and his wife assert absolute authority over Mirèio, who rebels by declaring her love for Vincen.

### Class and Economic Inequality

Ambroi's plea highlights the class divide between the wealthy Ramoun and the poor Vincen, with Ramoun refusing to let his daughter marry a 'tramp.'

### Folk Tradition and Religious Piety

The St. John's Eve bonfire and rituals (leaping over flames, burning garlic and herbs) blend folk customs with Christian piety.

## Character check-ins

### Ambroi

Pleads with Ramoun for Vincen's love for Mirèio, recounting his naval service and the story of Alis and Sivèstre.

### Ramoun

Rejects Ambroi's plea, insists on parental authority, and angrily forbids Mirèio from seeing Vincen.

### Mirèio

Declares her love for Vincen before God and her family, defying her parents.

### Vincen

Referenced as the object of Mirèio's love; Ambroi pleads on his behalf.

### Alari

Mentioned as a wealthy suitor whom Mirèio rejected.

### Veran

Mentioned as a suitor whom Mirèio rejected.

## Key lines

> O father! ere thou drive my brother wild, Listen to me!

Ambroi's daughter begs him to hear her story before he drives her brother to despair.

_The daughter recounts the tale of Alis and Sivèstre to illustrate the dangers of forbidden love._

> I give my soul to him, and to no other!

Mirèio declares her eternal devotion to Vincen, defying her parents.

_This declaration provokes her mother's scorn and her father's rage._

> Go, gypsy, you are free!

Mirèio's mother tells her to leave and live like a beggar with Vincen.

_The mother's harsh words reflect the family's rejection of Mirèio's choice._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mir_io_se/chapters/canto-vii-the-old-men
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mir_io_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mir_io_se/chapters