Short Fiction · Chapter
My Landlady explained
George Kervelen recounts his time as a law student in Paris, living under the strict but increasingly fond eye of his landlady, Mme.
What happens
George Kervelen recounts his time as a law student in Paris, living under the strict but increasingly fond eye of his landlady, Mme. Kergaran. After negotiating a latchkey for late-night freedom, he begins an affair with a shopgirl named Emma. He sneaks her into his room one night, but their tryst is interrupted when the landlady bursts in, similarly undressed, leading to a tense confrontation between the two women.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Desire
The narrator's physical attraction to both Emma and Mme. Kergaran drives the plot, illustrating impulsive romantic and sexual pursuits.
Gender and Power
Mme. Kergaran initially holds authority over her boarders, but the narrator challenges her rules, and the power dynamics shift through their personal interactions.
Illusion vs. Reality
The narrator's careful planning for a secret rendezvous is shattered by the sudden, awkward reality of the landlady's intrusion.
Characters to notice
- Guy de Maupassant
Author of the story, though the narrative is told by the character George Kervelen.
- Monsieur Parent
George Kervelen, the narrator and protagonist, a young law student from Brittany.
- Madame Tellier
Mme. Kergaran, the landlady, a stout, authoritative woman who develops a rough affection for the narrator.
- Irma
Emma, the shopgirl with whom the narrator begins an affair and whom he sneaks into his room.
Key passages
“I thought it must be very nice, very warm there, much warmer than in any other bed, no doubt because of the opulent charms that rested there.”
He imagined the bed would be exceptionally comfortable and warm, attributing this to the landlady's voluptuous figure.
Reveals the narrator's sensual fascination with Mme. Kergaran's bed and her body.
“She struggled, turning away her head, but without becoming really angry, and repeated mechanically, as was her habit: ‘Oh, the brute … the brute … the bru …’”
She resisted half-heartedly, not truly angry, and kept saying 'the brute' as she always did.
Shows Mme. Kergaran's habitual, almost affectionate, protest against the narrator's advances.
“I had never left Quimper. I wanted everything that one desires at that age and I was prepared to have a good time in every way.”
Having never been away from his hometown, he was eager to experience all the pleasures of youth.
Establishes the narrator's provincial background and his appetite for adventure in Paris.
“All day long Mme. Kergaran was up and down these stairs like a captain on board ship.”
The landlady constantly moved through the house, supervising everything like a ship's captain.
Highlights her domineering and meticulous nature.
“When I got near the house I felt as frightened as a man does who is going to the dentist’s.”
Approaching the house, he was as nervous as someone about to undergo a dental procedure.
Conveys his anxiety about sneaking Emma into his room undetected.