# XV: Olivier Visits the Comte de Passavant explained — The Counterfeiters

> Chapter companion for The Counterfeiters by André Gide.

## What happens

Olivier visits Robert de Passavant, who flatters him and proposes that Olivier take the literary direction of a new review. Passavant offers him port and cigarettes, discusses aesthetics and the younger generation, and gives him a copy of his book with an ambiguous inscription. The visit ends when another guest, Strouvilhou, arrives.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and the Novel

Passavant discusses his own book and the theory of the new review, emphasizing the need for a new ethic and aesthetic.

### Youth and Education

Olivier is preparing for his examination and is being recruited by Passavant for the review, highlighting the tension between academic obligations and literary ambitions.

## Character check-ins

### Olivier Molinier

Visits Passavant, accepts port and cigarettes, is offered the literary direction of a new review.

### Robert de Passavant

Hosts Olivier, flatters him, proposes the review, gives him a copy of The Horizontal Bar with an inscription.

### Vincent Molinier

Mentioned as Olivier's brother; Passavant says he is dining with him that night.

### Dhurmer

Mentioned as a schoolfellow of Olivier's who had been considered for the review.

### Strouvilhou

Arrives at Passavant's during Olivier's visit; his card is presented.

## Key lines

> Prithee, Orlando, a few steps further. I am not perfectly sure that I dare altogether take your meaning.

A cryptic motto from Passavant's book, inscribed to Olivier, suggesting ambiguity and flirtation.

_The inscription is ambiguous, leaving Olivier uncertain of its intent._

> I was afraid your brother hadn't delivered my message.

Passavant expresses concern that Vincent might not have passed along the invitation.

_Opens the chapter, showing Passavant's eagerness to see Olivier._

> I have infinitely more confidence in your taste than in Mr. Solomon Dhurmer's.

Passavant flatters Olivier by preferring his judgment over Dhurmer's for the review.

_Part of Passavant's manipulation to recruit Olivier._

## Links

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