The Counterfeiters · Chapter
XVIII: "The Strong Men" explained
Boris learns of Bronja's death from Madame Sophroniska, deepening his despair.
What happens
Boris learns of Bronja's death from Madame Sophroniska, deepening his despair. He is isolated and bullied by Ghéridanisol, George, and Phiphi, who form a secret 'brotherhood' and manipulate Boris into participating in a dangerous test involving a pistol. Despite suspecting cheating, Boris signs the pact and prepares for the ordeal, driven by a desire to prove his courage.
Themes in this chapter
Morality and Corruption
The brotherhood's manipulation and the planned test expose the corruption of innocence and the moral decay among the boys.
Youth and Education
Boris's vulnerability and the failure of the educational environment to protect him highlight the dangers of peer pressure and lack of adult oversight.
Characters to notice
- Little Boris
Grieves Bronja's death, feels abandoned, and is manipulated into joining the brotherhood's deadly test.
- Mme Sophroniska
Visits Boris to inform him of Bronja's death, shares his grief, and leaves for Poland.
- Ghéridanisol
Leads the brotherhood, despises Boris, and orchestrates the test with a loaded pistol.
- George Molinier
Pretends friendship to draw Boris into the brotherhood, participates in the cruel scheme.
- Phiphi
Reluctant but coerced into the plot, shows brief sympathy for Boris.
- Strouvilhou
Mentioned as having advised Ghéridanisol to leave Boris alone, but his influence is ignored.
Key passages
“The strong man cares nothing for life.”
A true man is indifferent to the risk of death.
This phrase is used by the brotherhood to justify their dangerous test, appealing to Boris's desire to prove his courage.
“He folded his away and hid it like a treasure.”
He concealed his grief privately, treating it as something precious.
Describes Boris's reaction to Madame Vedel's tactless questions about Bronja's death.