1. The chapter title refers to an opera about a man born of Satan who lives a life of sin but eventually repents. What does the fact that the action of the chapter focuses not on the opera but on the count suggest?

2. What should we make of the fact that we’ve encountered the Countess G— only in theater boxes?

3. How do you feel about the count’s association with Haydée? Does it feel purely exploitative? Is there still some kernel of goodness in him seeking (perhaps misguidedly) to help her get revenge?

Final sentence of chapter:

“‘Do you observe,’ said the Countess G— to Albert, who had returned to her side, ‘that man does nothing like other people; he listens most devoutly to the third act of Robert le Diable, and when the fourth begins, takes his departure.’”

previous chapter discussion

Next posts: Saturday, June 24