A Change of Fortune explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Social Class and Ambition

  Frederick's inheritance elevates his social standing, but Deslauriers' envy and bitterness highlight class tensions and the corrupting influence of wealth.

• Illusion vs. Reality

  Frederick's idealized memory of Madame Arnoux clashes with the reality of her domestic life, leading to a sense of disappointment and emotional detachment.

• Political Disillusionment

  Deslauriers expresses cynicism about the political system and predicts revolution, reflecting a broader sense of disillusionment with the status quo.

Characters to notice

• Frederick Moreau

  Returns to Paris after inheriting a fortune; visits the Arnoux family and reconnects with Deslauriers; searches for Regimbart.

• Madame Arnoux

  Found at home with her children; appears changed to Frederick, who feels his passion has diminished.

• Deslauriers

  Meets Frederick and reacts with envy and bitterness to his inheritance; discusses politics and proposes a journal investment.

• Regimbart

  Frederick searches for him across multiple cafés; finally found at a refreshment-room, where he provides Arnoux's address.

• Jacques Arnoux

  Now a dealer in faïence; warmly welcomes Frederick and shows him his earthenware works.

• Hussonnet

  Mentioned as having taken over Arnoux's journal and transformed it into 'L'Art'.

• Sénécal

  Referenced by Deslauriers as an example of suffering in society.

• Pellerin

  Frederick asks about him; Arnoux says he does not see him often.

Key passages

• “Frederick went from the smoking-divan to the Arnoux's residence, as if carried along by a tepid wind, with a sensation of extreme ease such as people experience in dreams.”

  Frederick moved from the café to the Arnoux home effortlessly, feeling a dreamlike lightness.

  Highlights Frederick's emotional state and the surreal quality of his return to Madame Arnoux.

• “He was astonished at the serenity of his own heart. He made enquiries about some old friends, about Pellerin, amongst others.”

  Frederick was surprised by his own calmness and asked about mutual acquaintances like Pellerin.

  Shows Frederick's emotional detachment from Madame Arnoux after his inheritance.

• “Deslauriers exclaimed: 'Ah! damn it! we'll have a jolly time of it now!' Frederick was not quite pleased to find Deslauriers all at once associating himself in this way with his own newly-acquired inheritance.”

  Deslauriers eagerly celebrated Frederick's fortune, but Frederick felt uncomfortable with his friend's immediate claim to share in it.

  Reveals the tension in their friendship and Deslauriers' envy.

• “Frederick was troubled by Deslauriers' irritability; but under the influence of the wine... he was no longer conscious of anything save a profound sense of comfort, a kind of voluptuous feeling that stupefied him.”

  Frederick was disturbed by Deslauriers' bitterness, but the wine and sun left him in a state of blissful numbness.

  Contrasts Frederick's passive contentment with Deslauriers' active discontent.