III: Bernard and Olivier explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Freedom and Rebellion

  Bernard's decision to leave home permanently embodies a rebellion against family and societal expectations, seeking independence.

• Love and Sexuality

  Olivier's confession of his first sexual experience reveals his disillusionment with physical intimacy, contrasting with Bernard's cautious approach.

• Art and the Novel

  Olivier's discussion of Edouard's literary critique and his own poetry highlights the theme of artistic creation and the search for authentic expression.

Characters to notice

• Bernard Profitendieu

  Visits Olivier at night, announces he has left home permanently, and discusses his plans for the future.

• Olivier Molinier

  Receives Bernard, confesses his first sexual encounter, and shares his admiration for his Uncle Edouard.

• Edouard

  Olivier's uncle, a writer, arriving from England; Olivier plans to meet him at the station.

• Vincent Molinier

  Olivier's older brother, suspected of having a secret mistress.

• Dhurmer

  Introduced Olivier to the woman he slept with; mentioned in connection with a review scheme.

• George Molinier

  Olivier's younger brother, pretending to sleep while listening to the conversation.

Key passages

• “How I was longing for you! I couldn't believe you would really come.”

  Olivier expresses his eagerness and surprise at Bernard's arrival.

  Shows Olivier's deep affection and anticipation for Bernard's visit.

• “Promise me that you won't.…”

  Olivier asks Bernard to promise not to resort to prostitution for money.

  Reveals Olivier's concern for Bernard's moral choices and their intimate bond.

• “Well! it's disgusting… horrible.… Afterwards I wanted to spit—to be sick—to tear my skin off—to kill myself.”

  Olivier describes his revulsion after his first sexual encounter.

  Highlights Olivier's disillusionment with sexuality and his emotional turmoil.