# XV: Mother Maurice explained — The Devil’s Pool

> Chapter companion for The Devil’s Pool by George Sand.

## What happens

Mother Maurice, noticing Germain's melancholy, gently questions him about his unhappiness. Germain confesses that he is in love with Marie, the daughter of Mother Guillette, but believes she does not return his feelings. Mother Maurice promises to speak with her husband and help Germain discover Marie's true feelings, urging him to be patient for a week.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Germain's love for Marie is central, as he struggles with his feelings and the social obstacles to their union.

### Family and Parenthood

Mother Maurice's maternal care and her role in mediating Germain's emotional distress and potential remarriage.

### Social Class and Inequality

Marie's poverty and her sense of indebtedness to Germain's family are cited as reasons for her refusal.

## Character check-ins

### Germain

Confesses his love for Marie to Mother Maurice, expressing despair at her rejection.

### Mother Maurice

Notices Germain's sorrow, questions him kindly, and promises to intercede with her husband.

### Marie

Referred to as the object of Germain's affection; she has refused him out of sense of duty and humility.

### Father Maurice

Mentioned as the one whose consent Mother Maurice seeks; he seems to suspect nothing during the week.

## Key lines

> My poor son, I believe you are not well. You don’t eat as well as usual; you never laugh; you talk less and less.

Mother Maurice observes that Germain has lost his appetite, his laughter, and his usual talkativeness.

_She initiates the conversation by noting his changed behavior._

> Yes, my mother, that is my opinion, but the women whom you advised me to ask don’t suit me. Whenever I see them, instead of forgetting my Catherine, I think of her all the more.

Germain agrees that he should remarry, but the women suggested to him only remind him more of his late wife Catherine.

_He explains why previous matchmaking attempts have failed._

> Then it’s like a fate cast over you, Germain. There’s but one remedy, and it is that this girl must change her mind and listen to you.

Mother Maurice sees Germain's love as an inescapable fate and believes the only solution is for the girl to reciprocate.

_She acknowledges the depth of his feelings and suggests a direct approach._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_devil_s_pool_se/chapters/xv-mother-maurice
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_devil_s_pool_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_devil_s_pool_se/chapters