The Counterfeiters · Chapter
VI: Bernard Awakens explained
Bernard awakens from an absurd dream to find Olivier's body pressed against him in the narrow bed.
What happens
Bernard awakens from an absurd dream to find Olivier's body pressed against him in the narrow bed. He frees himself, dresses, and leaves before dawn, feeling exhilarated and ready for adventure. With only eight sous, he buys coffee and a roll, leaves a tip, and gives his last sou to a ragamuffin. He wanders the quays, reflecting on his discovery of his illegitimacy, his hatred for his supposed father, and his newfound freedom. He falls asleep on a bench in the morning sun.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Bastardy
Bernard's discovery of his illegitimacy is central; he re-evaluates his past and embraces a new, unburdened identity.
Freedom and Rebellion
Bernard leaves his old life behind, feeling 'as happy as a king' with nothing, and sets out to meet his fate with a sense of adventure.
Family and Paternity
Bernard reflects on his hatred for Monsieur Profitendieu and the relief of knowing the truth about his parentage.
Characters to notice
- Bernard Profitendieu
Protagonist; awakens from a dream, leaves Olivier, and embarks on a solitary morning adventure, reflecting on his bastardy and newfound freedom.
- Olivier Molinier
Bernard's friend; sleeps beside Bernard, his arm draped over him, but Bernard leaves without waking him.
- George Molinier
Mentioned as tossing in his dreams in the iron bedstead of the little room.
- Monsieur Profitendieu
Bernard's legal father; Bernard reflects on hating him and the relief of discovering he is not his biological father.
Key passages
“We are all bastards; And that most venerable man which I Did call my father, was I know not where When I was stamped.”
Everyone is illegitimate; the man I called father was absent when I was conceived.
Epigraph from Shakespeare's Cymbeline, setting the theme of bastardy.
“If I don’t do it, who will? If I don’t do it at once, when shall I?”
If I don't act, no one else will; if I don't act now, I never will.
Bernard's new rule of life, driving his impulsive departure.
“I expect anything and everything from Providence”
I trust fate to provide for me.
Bernard's optimistic reliance on chance after spending his last sou.