The Counterfeiters · Chapters

Chapters explained

Chapter companions for The Counterfeiters by André Gide.

Read with companions Book page

Each chapter has a companion in the reader — open a free preview to see notes beside the text.

Chapter 1
Dedication
The author dedicates his first novel to Roger Martin du Gard as a token of profound friendship.
Chapter 2
The Counterfeiters
The opening chapter introduces Bernard Profitendieu, who discovers a packet of letters revealing that he is illegitimate. This shatters his identity and sets him on a path of rebellion against his family. He decides to leave home, stealing a suitcase from his uncle Edouard to fund his escape. The chapter establishes themes of identity, counterfeiting, and freedom.
Chapter 3
Part I: Paris
The novel opens in Paris, introducing a web of characters and their intertwined lives. Bernard Profitendieu discovers a letter revealing his illegitimacy and decides to leave home. His friend Olivier Molinier is involved with the cynical Robert de Passavant. Meanwhile, Vincent Molinier, Olivier's older brother, is having an affair with Laura Douviers, who is pregnant and abandoned. The chapter sets up themes of identity, deception, and moral corruption as these characters navigate their personal crises.
Chapter 4
I: The Luxembourg Gardens
Bernard Profitendieu discovers a love letter addressed to his mother from seventeen years ago, revealing his illegitimacy. He decides to leave home and seeks temporary shelter from his friend Olivier Molinier. The chapter also depicts the social dynamics among schoolboys in the Luxembourg Gardens, including discussions about literature and politics.
Chapter 5
III: Bernard and Olivier
Bernard visits Olivier at night, revealing he has left home for good. Olivier shares his admiration for his Uncle Edouard and confesses his first sexual experience, arranged by Dhurmer. Bernard and Olivier discuss Vincent's secret mistress and plan to meet the next day.

Free preview

45 more chapter companions sit beside the text in BetterReads — open a free preview to unlock the rest.

45 more companions → free preview

Dedication

The Counterfeiters

Part I: Paris

I: The Luxembourg Gardens

III: Bernard and Olivier