The Wolf-Leader · Chapter
XVII: The Baron de Mont-Gobert explained
Thibault, disguised as the Baron de Vauparfond, finds himself in the Countess's luxurious boudoir, overwhelmed by its beauty and elegance.
What happens
Thibault, disguised as the Baron de Vauparfond, finds himself in the Countess's luxurious boudoir, overwhelmed by its beauty and elegance. The Countess, Jane, confronts him about his supposed infidelities, but their flirtation is interrupted by the arrival of the Comte de Mont-Gobert. Thibault flees with Lisette's help, but his horse has been hamstrung. He encounters the Comte, who challenges him to a duel. Thibault, unexpectedly skilled in fencing, wounds the Comte, but is then stabbed in the back by Lestocq, the Comte's huntsman.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Power
Thibault's awe at the Countess's luxurious room highlights the vast gulf between his peasant origins and the aristocratic world. His desire to be the lapdog of the Countess underscores the allure of wealth and status.
Jealousy and Obsession
The Countess's jealousy over the Baron's dance with Madame de Bonneuil drives the confrontation. Thibault's obsession with possessing the Countess and his rage at being thwarted lead to the fatal duel.
Fate and Free Will
Thibault's transformation into a skilled fencer and horseman, seemingly by supernatural means, suggests a predetermined path. His choices, however, lead to his downfall, as he chooses to fight and hamstring the Count, sealing his fate.
Characters to notice
- Thibault
Disguised as the Baron de Vauparfond, Thibault is dazzled by the Countess's room and engages in a flirtatious confrontation with her. He is forced to flee when the Comte arrives, and later fights a duel in which he is fatally wounded.
- Countess Jane
The Countess, mistress of the luxurious room, accuses Thibault (as the Baron) of dancing with Madame de Bonneuil. She helps him escape when her husband arrives, showing her affection for the supposed Baron.
- Lisette
The Countess's waiting-maid, who warns of the Comte's arrival and guides Thibault through the secret passage to escape. She also informs him of his horse's location.
- Comte de Mont-Gobert
The Count, who returns unexpectedly and challenges Thibault to a duel. He is wounded by Thibault but later has his huntsman Lestocq stab Thibault in the back.
- Lestocq
The Comte's huntsman, who stabs Thibault in the back after the Comte is wounded, delivering the fatal blow.
Key passages
“Thibault found himself in the Countess’s room. If the magnificence of Bailiff Magloire’s furniture rescued from the lumber-room of his Highness the Duke of Orleans, had astonished Thibault, the daintiness, the harmony, the taste of the Countess’s room filled him with intoxicating delight.”
Thibault was overwhelmed by the Countess's room, which was far more exquisite than anything he had seen before, including the Bailiff's grand furniture.
Highlights Thibault's awe and the contrast between his world and the aristocracy.
““Yes, yes, you may well kneel—kneel lower, lower yet—kiss my feet, kiss the carpet, kiss the floor, but I shall not any the more forgive you—you are a monster!””
The Countess mockingly tells Thibault to grovel, but she will not forgive him for his supposed misdeeds.
Shows the Countess's playful yet accusatory tone, and Thibault's submissive posture.
“Thibault ought then to have sheathed his knife and fled; but, unfortunately, he remembered the oath he had taken as regards the Count, when he had found that his horse had been hamstrung.”
Thibault should have escaped after wounding the Count, but his vow of revenge for the hamstrung horse compelled him to further harm the Count.
Illustrates Thibault's vengeful nature and the consequences of his oath.
