The Celibates · Chapter
Story II: The Vicar of Tours explained
The story follows Abbé Birotteau, a simple and good-natured vicar in Tours, who covets the comfortable rooms of his deceased friend, Abbé Chapeloud.
What happens
The story follows Abbé Birotteau, a simple and good-natured vicar in Tours, who covets the comfortable rooms of his deceased friend, Abbé Chapeloud. His ambition draws him into a conflict with the manipulative Abbé Troubert and the spiteful Mademoiselle Gamard, leading to his downfall and isolation.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Covetousness
Birotteau's intense desire for Chapeloud's rooms drives the plot and leads to his conflict with Troubert.
Provincial Life and Stagnation
The narrow, gossipy world of Tours clergy and the slow pace of life contribute to the characters' petty ambitions and rivalries.
Characters to notice
- Abbé Birotteau
The protagonist, a naive vicar who desires Chapeloud's rooms and becomes entangled in a power struggle.
- Abbé Troubert
A calculating and ambitious canon who opposes Birotteau and ultimately orchestrates his ruin.
- Mademoiselle Sophie Gamard
A bitter old maid who controls the lodging and allies with Troubert against Birotteau.
- Abbé Chapeloud
The deceased former occupant of the coveted rooms, whose memory influences Birotteau's desires.
Key passages
“The Abbé Birotteau had one passion—he loved good living.”
Birotteau's main weakness was his enjoyment of comfort and fine food.
Highlights his simple, worldly desires that contrast with his clerical role.
“Mademoiselle Gamard was a woman of about forty, who had never been married, and who had a face that looked as if it had been pickled in vinegar.”
The spinster Mademoiselle Gamard, around forty years old, had a sour and unpleasant appearance.
Establishes her bitter and resentful character.
“The Abbé Troubert was a tall, thin man, with a face like a weasel, and eyes that never looked at you straight.”
Troubert was lanky and sly, with a weasel-like face and evasive eyes.
Portrays him as cunning and untrustworthy.