# Story II: The Vicar of Tours explained — The Celibates

> Chapter companion for The Celibates by Honoré de Balzac.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_celibates_se/chapters/story-ii-the-vicar-of-tours
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_celibates_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_celibates_se/chapters