Years of Grace · Chapter
IX explained
Jane reflects on the disillusion of life and the choices she has made, while reuniting with André Duroy in his Paris studio after thirty-four years.
What happens
Jane reflects on the disillusion of life and the choices she has made, while reuniting with André Duroy in his Paris studio after thirty-four years. She contemplates her children's happiness and the sacrifices of her own past, grappling with themes of regret, grace, and the paths not taken.
Themes in this chapter
Aging and Regret
Jane at fifty-one reflects on the disillusion of life, her sacrifices, and the paths not taken.
Love and Marriage
Jane's reunion with André and her memories of past loves contrast with her current marriage and children's marriages.
Motherhood and Family Dynamics
Jane's thoughts are preoccupied with her children's futures and the consequences of their choices.
Characters to notice
- Jane Ward
Reflects on her life at fifty-one, her sacrifices, and her reunion with André.
- André Duroy
Reunites with Jane in his Paris studio; now a bearded sculptor with a cynical outlook.
- Cicily
Departs for her honeymoon with Albert Lancaster; her choices prompt Jane's reflections.
- Stephen Carver
Encourages Jane to visit André's studio; remains with the children.
- Flora Furness
Hosts Cicily's wedding; urges Jane to go to André's studio.
Key passages
“It all comes to the same thing in the end, Jane, whatever we experience.”
All experiences lead to the same outcome.
Jane rejects this philosophy, arguing that experience shapes who we become.
“L’amour fait passer le temps, le temps fait passer l’amour!”
Love makes time pass, time makes love pass.
André quotes this French saying, reflecting on the transience of love.
“Qui vit sans folie n’est pas si sage qu’il croít.”
He who lives without folly is not as wise as he thinks.
André uses La Rochefoucauld's maxim to defend his earthy angels.