# III: Bernard and Olivier explained — The Counterfeiters

> Chapter companion for The Counterfeiters by André Gide.

## What happens

Bernard visits Olivier at night, revealing he has left home for good. Olivier shares his admiration for his Uncle Edouard and confesses his first sexual experience, arranged by Dhurmer. Bernard and Olivier discuss Vincent's secret mistress and plan to meet the next day.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_counterfeiters_se/chapters/iii-bernard-and-olivier
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_counterfeiters_se/chapters