Short Fiction · Chapter
Polydore explained
Polydore, considered the stupidest boy in the region, feigns illness to avoid work, causing concern for his godmother Mamzelle Adélaïde.
What happens
Polydore, considered the stupidest boy in the region, feigns illness to avoid work, causing concern for his godmother Mamzelle Adélaïde. His deception leads to her falling seriously ill after a drive in the heat to fetch the doctor. Overcome with guilt, Polydore confesses his sin to a priest and then to Mamzelle Adélaïde, who forgives him and feels a new maternal bond.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because Mrs. Mallard reaches the emotional and psychological peak of her e…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Sacrifice and Redemption
Polydore's guilt over his deception and his eventual confession lead to redemption and a deeper bond with Mamzelle Adélaïde.
- Love and Marriage
The maternal love between Mamzelle Adélaïde and Polydore is central, evolving from duty to genuine affection.
Characters to notice
- Polydore
Feigns illness to avoid work, leading to his godmother's illness; later confesses his deceit and is forgiven.
- Mamzelle Adélaïde
Polydore's godmother who cares for him; falls ill after fetching the doctor for his supposed ailment, but forgives him after his confession.
- Old Doctor John-Luis
Attends to Mamzelle Adélaïde during her illness.
Key passages
“It was often said that Polydore was the stupidest boy to be found 'from the mouth of Cane river plumb to Natchitoches.'”
Polydore was widely considered the most foolish boy in the region between Cane River and Natchitoches.
Introduces Polydore's reputation for stupidity.
“She knew that a bond of love had been forged that would hold them together always.”
She realized that a permanent bond of love had been created between them.
Climactic moment of forgiveness and new maternal connection.
