The Cloven Foot · Chapter
XIV: “You Have but to Say the Word” explained
La Chicot and Desrolles discuss her wealthy admirer, Joseph Lemuel, while she dismisses his offers, asserting her pride and honesty.
What happens
La Chicot and Desrolles discuss her wealthy admirer, Joseph Lemuel, while she dismisses his offers, asserting her pride and honesty. Her marriage to Jack Chicot is a hollow shell, and she lives recklessly, drinking heavily. George Gerard occasionally reproaches her, but she continues her self-destructive path, indifferent to the future.
Themes in this chapter
Bohemianism vs. Respectability
La Chicot's reckless, bohemian lifestyle contrasts with the offers of a respectable house in Mayfair from Lemuel.
Secrets and Deception
Desrolles secretly works for Lemuel while pretending to be a disinterested friend to La Chicot.
Gender and Moral Agency
La Chicot asserts her independence and pride, yet is trapped by her marriage and societal expectations of women.
Characters to notice
- La Chicot
Drinks heavily, dismisses her husband and suitor, and lives defiantly despite Gerard's warnings.
- Mr. Desrolles
Acts as intermediary for Joseph Lemuel, feigns friendship with La Chicot while being paid to plead Lemuel's case.
- Chicot
Jack Chicot is an absent, wandering husband; his marriage to La Chicot is nominal and strained.
- George Gerard
Visits La Chicot to reproach her drinking, having saved her life; he is pained by her decline.
- Joseph Lemuel
Wealthy admirer of La Chicot, sending letters and gifts; Desrolles is paid to advocate for him.
- Mr. Smolendo
Theatrical manager who tolerates La Chicot's drinking as long as she draws audiences.
Key passages
“You have but to say the word.”
You only need to give your consent.
Desrolles urges La Chicot to accept Lemuel's offer of a house and wealth.
“Brandy is a slow suicide, but for a woman of your temperament it’s as certain as prussic acid.”
Drinking brandy will kill you slowly, but just as surely as poison.
George Gerard warns La Chicot about her drinking.
“I am an honest woman. And then, I am too proud.”
I am virtuous and too proud to become a kept woman.
La Chicot rejects Lemuel's proposal, asserting her moral stance.