Sentimental Education · Chapter
Chapter: Then she seized him by the ears and kissed him. explained
Frederick pursues the Maréchale (Rosanette) with increasing boldness, but she rebuffs him with tears and sarcasm, hinting at his attachment to Madame Arnoux.
What happens
Frederick pursues the Maréchale (Rosanette) with increasing boldness, but she rebuffs him with tears and sarcasm, hinting at his attachment to Madame Arnoux. He devises a plan to commission Pellerin to paint Rosanette's portrait, hoping for private sittings. Meanwhile, Madame Arnoux weeps over Arnoux's infidelity, and Frederick comforts her, feeling his love intensify. Arnoux, grateful for Frederick's advice, calls him a 'right good fellow.' Frederick receives a letter from his mother urging him to use his connection with M. Dambreuse, and he decides to pursue a career in the Council of State. He visits Dambreuse, who promises a recommendation and invites him to a party. Just before the party, Frederick receives a note from Rosanette indicating she has dismissed her current lover and is now free.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Desire
Frederick's conflicting desires for Rosanette and Madame Arnoux drive his actions, from pursuing Rosanette to comforting Madame Arnoux, revealing the complexity of his romantic entanglements.
Social Class and Ambition
Frederick's decision to seek a career through M. Dambreuse reflects his ambition to rise socially and financially, spurred by his mother's urging and his own financial concerns.
Illusion vs. Reality
Frederick's perception of Rosanette's behavior and his own motives is clouded by self-deception; he rationalizes his pursuit of her while maintaining a facade of honor toward Arnoux.
Characters to notice
- Frederick Moreau
Pursues Rosanette, comforts Madame Arnoux, and decides to seek a career through M. Dambreuse.
- Rosanette
Rebuffs Frederick's advances with tears and sarcasm, but later sends him a note indicating she has dismissed her lover and is free.
- Madame Arnoux
Weeps over Arnoux's infidelity; Frederick comforts her, and they share a moment of silent understanding.
- Jacques Arnoux
Shows concern for his wife's health and gratitude toward Frederick, calling him a 'right good fellow.'
- Pellerin
Commissioned by Frederick to paint Rosanette's portrait, which he eagerly accepts.
- M. Dambreuse
Promises to recommend Frederick for a position in the Council of State and invites him to a party.
Key passages
“Then she seized him by the ears and kissed him.”
She grabbed him by the ears and gave him a kiss.
Opening line depicting Rosanette's affectionate yet playful gesture toward Frederick.
“He thought it a clever thing to answer her sarcasms with repartees in the same strain, in which there was even a touch of exaggeration. But he made too great a display of gaiety to convince her that he was in earnest; and their comradeship was an impediment to any outpouring of serious feeling.”
Frederick tried to match her sarcasm with witty replies, but his exaggerated cheerfulness made her doubt his sincerity, and their friendly rapport prevented any serious emotional exchange.
Highlights the difficulty Frederick faces in expressing genuine feelings to Rosanette due to their playful dynamic.
“He would have liked to be this dainty little piece of cambric moistened with her tears.”
He wished he could be the delicate handkerchief she used to wipe her tears.
Reveals Frederick's intense longing and empathy for Madame Arnoux during her moment of distress.
“This mute exchange of thoughts between them was, as it were, an assent—the preliminary step in adultery.”
Their silent communication served as a form of consent, marking the first step toward adultery.
Describes the unspoken understanding between Frederick and Madame Arnoux that signals a shift in their relationship.
