The Counterfeiters · Chapter
III: Edouard’s Journal: Third Visit to La Pérouse explained
Edouard visits his old master La Pérouse, who is in a deep state of despair and has been pretending to be dead.
What happens
Edouard visits his old master La Pérouse, who is in a deep state of despair and has been pretending to be dead. La Pérouse reveals his suicidal intentions, his belief that God is a puppeteer controlling human actions, and his troubled relationship with his wife, who has been placed in a home. Edouard convinces him to move to the school run by Azaïs, and La Pérouse agrees, though he keeps his brother's pistols as a reminder of his lack of free will.
Themes in this chapter
Freedom and Rebellion
La Pérouse's monologue about being a puppet in God's hands explores the illusion of free will and the desire to rebel against divine control.
Family and Paternity
La Pérouse's relationship with his wife and his longing for his grandson Boris highlight familial bonds and conflicts.
Morality and Corruption
La Pérouse's despair and suicidal ideation raise questions about the morality of ending one's life and the corruption of love into jealousy.
Characters to notice
- Edouard
Visits La Pérouse, tries to comfort him, and arranges for his move to Azaïs's school.
- Monsieur de La Pérouse
In deep despair, pretending to be dead, reveals suicidal thoughts and his belief that God controls his actions.
- Little Boris
Mentioned as the grandson La Pérouse wanted to see before dying.
- Madame de La Pérouse
Mentioned as having been placed in a home; she burnt La Pérouse's brother's letters out of jealousy.
- Azaïs
Mentioned as the schoolmaster who offers La Pérouse a place to live.
Key passages
“Monsieur de La Pérouse is dead.”
La Pérouse claims he is dead, refusing to engage with life.
La Pérouse's dramatic declaration reflects his psychological withdrawal and despair.
“I realize now that God is playing with us. It amuses him to let us think that what he makes us do is what we wanted to do.”
La Pérouse believes God manipulates humans like puppets, giving them the illusion of free will.
This statement encapsulates the chapter's central theme of determinism versus free will.
“What I didn’t do that day, I know I shall never be able to do.”
La Pérouse admits he will not attempt suicide again, having lost the resolve.
He keeps his pistols as a reminder of his powerlessness, not as a tool for action.