Part 4 Chapter 4 Summary

Emil goes to St. Agnes to visit his childhood friend, Amedee. He and Angelique are as happy as ever with their new baby and prosperous farm. However, as Emil talks to Amedee in the fields, he complains of terrible pain. Emil leaves and looks back to see Amedee staggering and supported by his two cousins. Emil helps take Amedee to his bed.

Part 4 Chapter 4 Analysis

The sentence "nothing bad can happen to a rich, energetic, handsome young man like Amedee" becomes ironic. It is not realistic that people can continue to have everything, including love and happiness and wealth. Some critics have wondered why Amedee and Angelique are even in the novel at all; is it to show that perfect happiness is not possible or to be a catalyst for Emil's next actions?