Short Fiction · Chapter
Bon-Bon explained
The chapter introduces Pierre Bon-Bon, a restaurateur and philosopher in Rouen, celebrated for his culinary skills and metaphysical writings.
What happens
The chapter introduces Pierre Bon-Bon, a restaurateur and philosopher in Rouen, celebrated for his culinary skills and metaphysical writings. His peculiar obsession with making bargains, his love of wine, and his distinctive appearance are described. One stormy night, while revising a manuscript, he is visited by a mysterious, cadaverous figure dressed in old black clothes, who claims to be in no hurry and engages him in conversation.
Themes in this chapter
The Supernatural and the Gothic
The mysterious visitor with a cadaverous appearance and supernatural overtones introduces a Gothic element to the narrative.
Ambition and Pride
Bon-Bon's pride in his dual roles as restaurateur and philosopher, and his obsessive pursuit of bargains, reflect themes of ambition.
Characters to notice
- Pierre Bon-Bon
The protagonist, a restaurateur and philosopher known for his love of bargains and wine.
- Monsieur Bon-Bon
Alternate name for the same character, used in the narrative.
Key passages
“That Pierre Bon-Bon was a restaurateur of uncommon qualifications, no man who, during the reign of ╕╗, frequented the little caf├® in the cul-de-sac Le Febre at Rouen, will, I imagine, feel himself at liberty to dispute.”
Everyone who visited Bon-Bon's café in Rouen during that era would agree that he was an exceptionally skilled restaurateur.
Establishes Bon-Bon's reputation as a master chef.
“It is to Bon-Bon that Kant himself is mainly indebted for his metaphysics.”
Kant's metaphysical ideas are largely derived from Bon-Bon's work.
Hyperbolic praise of Bon-Bon's philosophical influence.
“He could never let slip an opportunity of making a bargain.”
He never missed a chance to strike a deal.
Highlights Bon-Bon's compulsive bargaining habit.
“I am in no hurry, Monsieur Bon-Bon, suddenly whispered a whining voice in the apartment.”
A whining voice suddenly said it was not in a rush.
The mysterious visitor's first words, signaling his supernatural patience.