The Counterfeiters · Chapter
I: Edouard’s Journal: Oscar Molinier explained
Edouard records his return to Paris and a lunch with Oscar Molinier, who reveals that Bernard Profitendieu has left home after learning of his illegitimacy.
What happens
Edouard records his return to Paris and a lunch with Oscar Molinier, who reveals that Bernard Profitendieu has left home after learning of his illegitimacy. Molinier also discusses a scandal involving a tea shop frequented by schoolboys, hints at Bernard's possible involvement, and shares personal grievances about his wife Pauline and his own marital infidelities.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Bastardy
Bernard's illegitimacy is revealed, leading to his departure and Molinier's prejudiced views on natural children.
Counterfeiting and Appearance
Molinier's hypocritical discussion of morality while confessing his own infidelities and the tea shop scandal's hidden nature.
Family and Paternity
Molinier's complaints about his wife and his role as a father, contrasted with Profitendieu's situation as a deceived father.
Characters to notice
- Edouard
Narrator of the journal; meets Molinier and records their conversation.
- Oscar Molinier
Magistrate and father of Olivier; discusses Bernard's illegitimacy, a scandalous tea shop, and his own marital troubles.
- Bernard Profitendieu
Subject of Molinier's gossip; revealed to be illegitimate and has run away from home.
- Monsieur Profitendieu
Colleague of Molinier; Bernard's legal father, upset by Bernard's departure and involved in the tea shop investigation.
- Olivier Molinier
Molinier's son; traveling in Corsica with the Comte de Passavant, which Molinier disapproves of.
- Robert de Passavant
Writer and companion of Olivier; Edouard dislikes him and his influence.
Key passages
“Young Bernard Profitendieu is the very person who spoke to me about Olivier”
Edouard confirms that Bernard is the schoolfellow who mentioned Olivier to him.
Establishes Bernard's connection to Olivier and Edouard's prior knowledge of Bernard.
“The fruit of lawlessness and insubordination must necessarily be tainted with the germs of anarchy.”
Molinier argues that a child born out of wedlock is inherently prone to disorder.
Reflects the theme of identity and bastardy and societal prejudice.
“I have known women who only lent themselves to their husbands against the grain of their heart and senses … and who yet are indignant when the poor wretch who has been repulsed, seeks his provender elsewhere.”
Molinier justifies his infidelity by blaming his wife's lack of sexual interest.
Highlights Molinier's hypocrisy and the theme of counterfeiting and appearance.