# XX: In Which the Doctor Has a Little Talk with His Servant explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Guy de Maupassant.

## What happens

Doctor Heraclius Gloss wakes at seven o'clock to find his monkey missing. His servant Honorine recounts how she struck the monkey with a shovel after it mimicked the Doctor and attacked her. The Doctor angrily insists the monkey be treated as the master of the house, while Honorine mutters that the Doctor himself seems mad.

## Themes in this chapter

### Obsession and Delusion

The Doctor's irrational attachment to his monkey and his demand that it be treated as master highlight his obsessive and delusional state.

### Cruelty and Suffering

Honorine's violent reaction to the monkey and the Doctor's harsh words to her reflect underlying cruelty and suffering in their relationship.

## Character check-ins

### Doctor Heraclius Gloss

Wakes after fainting, demands respect for his monkey, and is perceived as mad by his servant.

### Honoré Bontemps

Honorine, the servant and mistress, confronts the Doctor about the monkey's mischief and defends her actions.

## Key lines

> My monkey, where's my monkey?

The Doctor anxiously asks about his monkey's whereabouts.

_Reveals the Doctor's immediate concern for his pet over his own health._

> Understand this, my good woman, from now onwards he's to be respected and waited on like the master of the house.

The Doctor commands that his monkey be treated as the household's authority.

_Demonstrates the Doctor's delusional prioritization of the monkey._

> Well, well, he's not only the master of the house, he's the master of the master, too, and has been for a long time past.

Honorine sarcastically remarks that the monkey controls the Doctor.

_Highlights the servant's view of the Doctor's madness._

## Links

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