# Love on the Bon-Dieu explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Kate Chopin.

## What happens

On Easter Eve, a frail young girl named Lalie waits for Père Antoine on his veranda, carrying a parcel of eggs. Azenor, a handsome young man, also seeks the priest. After Lalie confesses, she asks Père Antoine for a note to get credit at the store. Later, Azenor and Lalie meet again; she reveals her grandmother forces her to work and sometimes confines her. When Lalie falls ill from overwork, Azenor, driven by love and concern, goes to her cabin, finds her delirious, and carries her home. He discovers she has kept the Easter egg he gave her, realizing she loves him. He vows to get a doctor and priest, declaring she will live as his wife.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Azenor's growing love for Lalie culminates in his decision to take her as his wife, symbolized by her clutching the Easter egg he gave her.

### Freedom and Confinement

Lalie is confined by her grandmother's erratic control and poverty; Azenor's rescue represents a bid for her freedom and a new life.

### Sacrifice and Redemption

Azenor sacrifices his own comfort to care for Lalie, and her recovery offers a redemptive hope for a better future.

## Character check-ins

### Lalie

A frail, poorly nourished girl waiting for Père Antoine; she lives with her abusive grandmother on the Bon-Dieu and is forced to work in the fields.

### Azenor

A stalwart young man who seeks Père Antoine; he becomes deeply concerned for Lalie, eventually carrying her to his home when she falls ill.

### Papa Konrad

Père Antoine, the priest who hears confessions and later learns of Lalie's illness; he is a compassionate figure in the village.

## Key lines

> It look like mo' rain

It looks like more rain is coming.

_Azenor makes small talk about the weather while waiting for the priest._

> I don' b'lieve she know mos' time w'at she's doin'.

I don't think she knows what she's doing most of the time.

_Lalie explains her grandmother's erratic behavior to Azenor._

> She is goin' to live! Do you think I would let my wife die, Tranquiline?

She is going to live! Do you think I would let my wife die, Tranquiline?

_Azenor declares his determination to save Lalie, whom he now considers his wife._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_33_se/chapters/love-on-the-bon-dieu
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_33_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_33_se/chapters