# XVIII: "The Strong Men" explained — The Counterfeiters

> Chapter companion for The Counterfeiters by André Gide.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_counterfeiters_se/chapters/xviii-the-strong-men
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_counterfeiters_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_counterfeiters_se/chapters