Short Fiction · Chapter
My Uncle Jules explained
Joseph Davranche recounts the story of his Uncle Jules, who was once the family's shame for squandering money but later became their hope after writing from America of his success.
What happens
Joseph Davranche recounts the story of his Uncle Jules, who was once the family's shame for squandering money but later became their hope after writing from America of his success. The family, struggling with poverty, dreams of Jules's return and plans to use his fortune. During a trip to Jersey, they encounter a ragged oyster seller who turns out to be Jules, now destitute. His mother reacts with fury and denial, and the family avoids him, leaving Joseph with a sense of pity and disillusionment.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Money
The family's obsession with financial status and appearances drives the plot, from economizing on braid to the dream of Jules's fortune.
Illusion vs. Reality
The family's idealized image of Jules as a successful benefactor shatters when they encounter him as a poor oyster seller, revealing the harsh truth.
Characters to notice
- Guy de Maupassant
The narrator of the frame story, who observes Joseph Davranche giving alms to a poor man.
- Monsieur Parent
Joseph Davranche, the main narrator of the inner story, who recalls his family's history with Uncle Jules.
- Madame Loisel
Joseph's mother, who is harsh and practical, obsessed with appearances and money, and reacts with anger upon recognizing Jules.
Key passages
“My family, which came originally from Havre, was not rich. We just managed to make both ends meet.”
The Davranche family from Havre lived in poverty, barely scraping by.
Sets the economic context for the family's hopes pinned on Uncle Jules.
“What a surprise it would be if Jules were on that one! Eh?”
My father would often wonder aloud if Uncle Jules might be arriving on the next steamer.
Illustrates the family's persistent fantasy of Jules's return as a wealthy man.
“I always thought that that thief never would do anything, and that he would drop down on us again!”
My mother angrily declared she always knew Jules was a good-for-nothing who would come back to burden them.
Reveals the mother's true feelings and the family's hypocrisy about Jules.