Sir Percy Hits Back · Chapter
Parting is not such sweet sorrow explained
On her eighteenth birthday, Fleurette bids farewell to Bibi and Amédé, who are leaving for the army.
What happens
On her eighteenth birthday, Fleurette bids farewell to Bibi and Amédé, who are leaving for the army. After they depart, she encounters a troop of ragged soldiers led by a gruff officer who inquires after Citizen Armand and the Frontenac château. Later, a mysterious voice tells her that papers and valuables are hidden behind a panel in Madame de Frontenac's room. Fleurette, feeling a call akin to Joan of Arc's, resolves to go to the château to warn Madame.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Loyalty
Fleurette's deep affection for Bibi and Amédé is evident in her sorrow at their departure and her compassionate care for the soldiers.
Innocence and Corruption
Fleurette's naive kindness contrasts with the officer's rudeness and the soldiers' ragged state, highlighting the corruption of revolutionary times.
Disguise and Deception
The old faggot-carrier's youthful eyes and mysterious voice suggest a hidden identity, hinting at deception.
Characters to notice
- Fleurette
Fleurette is saddened by the farewells to Bibi and Amédé on her birthday, shows compassion to the tired soldiers by offering them wine and bread, and is startled by a mysterious voice that compels her to go to the château.
- Citizen Chauvelin
Referred to as Bibi, he departs with Amédé and M'sieu' Colombe, leaving Fleurette heartbroken.
- Amédé Colombe
Amédé leaves to join the army and fight the English; Fleurette grieves over his departure and worries he may never return.
- Adèle
Adèle silently obeys Fleurette's request to fetch bread for the soldiers, then appears with her shawl and bread.
- Old Louise
Louise is in the kitchen and is mentioned as a potential source of help for the soldiers.
- Lieutenant Godet
The gruff officer on horseback who questions Fleurette about Citizen Armand and the Frontenac château, then rides off with his men.
Key passages
“Parting is not such sweet sorrow as the greatest of all poets would have us believe.”
Fleurette finds that saying goodbye is far more painful than the poet Shakespeare described.
The chapter opens with a reflection on the bitterness of farewell, contrasting with the romanticized notion of 'parting is such sweet sorrow.'
“Papers and valuables are behind the panel in Madame's room.”
A mysterious voice tells Fleurette that important documents and treasures are hidden behind a secret panel in Madame de Frontenac's chamber.
This cryptic message spurs Fleurette to action, believing it to be a divine sign like Joan of Arc's voices.