Pierre and Jean · Chapter
Chapter II explained
After hearing the news of Jean's inheritance, Pierre wanders through the streets of Havre, feeling restless and irritable.
What happens
After hearing the news of Jean's inheritance, Pierre wanders through the streets of Havre, feeling restless and irritable. He reflects on his own emotions and realizes he is jealous of his brother. He walks to the pier, where he encounters Jean, and after a brief conversation, he leaves to visit his old friend Marowsko, a Polish chemist.
Themes in this chapter
Jealousy and Sibling Rivalry
Pierre's internal struggle reveals his jealousy toward Jean's inheritance, which he acknowledges as a 'vilely mean' emotion.
Psychological Analysis
Pierre engages in deep self-analysis, examining the physiological and emotional roots of his jealousy and irritability.
Characters to notice
- Pierre Roland
Pierre is restless and introspective, walking through Havre and grappling with his jealousy over Jean's inheritance.
- Jean Roland
Jean is found sitting alone at the end of the breakwater, enjoying the fresh air and reflecting on his newfound wealth.
- Marowsko
Marowsko is an old Polish chemist and friend of Pierre, who welcomes him to his shop and offers him a new currant liqueur.
Key passages
“Then I was jealous of Jean. That is really vilely mean. And I am sure of it now, for the first idea which came into my head was that he would marry Mme. Rosémilly.”
Pierre admits to himself that he is jealous of Jean, and realizes that his first thought was that Jean would now marry Mme. Rosémilly.
Pierre's self-awareness of his jealousy and its implications.
“If one could but live on board that boat, what peace it would be—perhaps!”
Pierre envies the peace of a fishing boat gliding silently into the harbor.
Pierre's longing for escape and tranquility.