XLIII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Gender and Women's Roles

  Blanche's power is limited to manipulation and surveillance, while Marie-Anne's inheritance from Chanlouineau is met with scandal and suspicion.

• Deception and Disguise

  Blanche deceives Chupin about her intentions, and Chupin in turn deceives her by fabricating reports.

• Class and Social Hierarchy

  The contrast between Blanche's aristocratic status and Marie-Anne's peasant origins is central to the jealousy and revenge plot.

Characters to notice

• Blanche de Courtornieu

  Consumed by jealousy and revenge, she interrogates Chupin about Marie-Anne and plans to spy on Martial.

• Father Chupin

  Reluctantly continues surveillance for Blanche, growing tired and suspicious of the task.

• Marie-Anne Lacheneur

  Now installed at the Borderie, she is the object of Blanche's jealousy and the subject of Chupin's reports.

• Martial de Sairmeuse

  Blanche suspects he is still in contact with Marie-Anne and orders Chupin to watch him.

• Marquis de Courtornieu

  Now reduced to idiocy after his illness, he wanders aimlessly and is watched like a child.

• Eugène Chanlouineau

  His will, leaving Marie-Anne an income and the Borderie, is a topic of gossip and fuels Blanche's rage.

Key passages

• “not yet made up,” she replied. “I must reflect⁠—I will see.” And remarking the old poacher’s discontented face, she said, vehemently: “I will do nothing lightly. Do not lose sight of Martial. If he goes to the Borderie, and he will go there, I must be informed of it. If he writes, and he will write, try to procure one of his letters. I must see you every other day. Do not rest! Strive to deserve the good place I am reserving you at Courtornieu. Go!””

  Blanche tells Chupin she hasn't decided yet and needs to think, but orders him to keep watching Martial and report any contact with Marie-Anne, promising him a position at Courtornieu.

  Blanche's calculated manipulation of Chupin, using promises of reward to maintain his loyalty.

• ““And I will have my revenge,” she thought. “I would tear my heart out if it were capable of cowardly weakness under such provocation!””

  Blanche resolves to take revenge, vowing to destroy any softness in herself.

  Blanche's internal monologue reveals her ruthless determination and self-loathing.

• ““Who would not prefer death to such a misfortune?” she murmured. “Ah! Jean Lacheneur’s revenge is far more terrible than it would have been had his bullet pierced my father’s heart. It is a revenge like this that I desire. It is due me; I will have it!””

  Blanche reflects that her father's living death is worse than murder, and she desires a similar revenge for herself.

  Blanche's twisted logic equates her father's idiocy with a form of vengeance she wishes to emulate.