Bel Ami, Chapter 5 summary
Chapter 5 of 18 · 20 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 5, Duroy begins an affair with Mme. de Marelle, who rents rooms for their meetings and secretly gives him money as his debts grow. Their relationship breaks down when Rachel confronts him at the Folies-Bergeres, prompting Clotilde to accuse him of spending her money on another woman and leave him.
What happens
- Dissatisfied with his position, Duroy visits Mme. de Marelle, wins Laurine’s affection, and joins a restaurant dinner with the Forestiers.
- After dinner, he forces an embrace on Mme. de Marelle; she initially resists, then yields, and invites him to lunch.
- Their affair begins, Laurine names him Bel-Ami, and Clotilde rents private rooms after neighbors insult her at his building.
- Outings exhaust Duroy’s money; he invents a story about helping his father, and Clotilde secretly slips money into his pocket.
- Duroy spends her gifts while treating them as loans, then reluctantly takes her to the Folies-Bergeres.
- Rachel publicly demands recognition; Clotilde flees, accuses Duroy of giving Rachel her money, and leaves him amid a crowd’s jeers.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Clotilde connects Duroy’s financial dependence with her sense of betrayal. Her accusation does not establish that he actually gives Rachel this money.
Quick check
Why does Clotilde rent rooms on Rue de Constantinople?
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