Serpent & Dove
Madame Labelle: Reid
by Mahurin, ShelbyThe chapter opens with Reid observing the first snowfall of the year, using physical exercise to alleviate his frustration. Lou, his companion, has claimed the bed, leaving him to sleep on the floor. Their dynamic is tense yet playful, as Lou dismisses a religious book from the library as “drivel,” mocking its pastoral themes. Reid, in response, reveals a hidden compartment in his room where he keeps a cherished book, *La Vie Éphémère*, a love story about warring kingdoms. Lou initially teases him, assuming it’s a “bodice-ripper,” but Reid defends its deeper themes of love, war, and hope.
Reid’s emotional attachment to the book becomes evident as he describes its tragic yet hopeful ending, where the lovers die but their kingdoms unite. Lou, skeptical of the story’s merit, questions the value of a narrative that ends in death, but Reid insists on its underlying message of reconciliation. Their banter reveals a growing camaraderie, with Lou eventually agreeing to read the book, albeit with sarcastic reluctance. The exchange ends on a lighthearted note as Reid admits the book does contain a love scene, prompting Lou’s laughter and his own smile.
Their moment is interrupted by a knock from Ansel, who announces the arrival of Madame Labelle, demanding to speak with Lou. Lou, engrossed in the book, is annoyed by the disruption but prepares to meet the visitor. Reid, halfway through washing up, is teased by Lou for his odor, adding a touch of humor to the scene. Ansel’s discomfort hints at the tension surrounding Madame Labelle’s unexpected visit, leaving the reader curious about her intentions.
The chapter concludes with Lou’s characteristic wit as she reluctantly postpones her reading to address Madame Labelle. The interaction between Reid and Lou showcases their evolving relationship, blending conflict, humor, and mutual understanding. The arrival of Madame Labelle introduces a new layer of intrigue, setting the stage for further developments in the story. The chapter effectively balances character development with plot progression, maintaining a engaging and dynamic tone throughout.
FAQs
1. How does Reid’s hidden vault behind the bed frame reveal important aspects of his character and past relationships?
Answer:
The hidden vault symbolizes Reid’s need for privacy and his complex relationship with Jean Luc. The text reveals that Reid created this hiding spot at sixteen when sharing the room with Jean Luc, whom he describes as having been “closer than brothers.” However, the phrase “perhaps we’d never been closer than brothers after all” suggests unresolved tension or betrayal. The vault contains personal items like his cherished book, showing Reid’s secretive nature and his desire to protect vulnerable aspects of himself from judgment, even from those closest to him.2. Analyze the contrasting attitudes toward literature between Reid and Lou. What does this reveal about their personalities?
Answer:
Reid values profound, philosophical literature like La Vie Éphémère, appreciating its exploration of “social constructs” and “good versus evil.” He focuses on the hopeful ending despite the lovers’ deaths. Lou initially dismisses it as a “bodice-ripper,” prioritizing entertainment and romance scenes. Their debate reflects deeper differences: Reid is idealistic and introspective, while Lou is pragmatic and irreverent. However, their shared smile at the end shows Lou’s willingness to engage with Reid’s interests, hinting at growing connection beneath their bickering.3. What is the significance of Reid sharing La Vie Éphémère with Lou, and why does he initially regret this decision?
Answer:
Sharing the book is a vulnerable act for Reid—it represents a private passion he typically hides (as shown by its placement in the vault). His regret stems from Lou’s mocking reaction; she reduces its themes to “dreary” tropes and focuses on the love scene, which feels dismissive of its deeper meaning. Reid’s defensiveness (“It ends in hope!”) reveals how personally he identifies with the story’s themes of reconciliation and sacrifice. The moment underscores his fear of being misunderstood, especially by someone whose opinion he increasingly values.4. How does the chapter use physical space (e.g., the bed, washroom, vault) to reflect the evolving dynamic between Reid and Lou?
Answer:
Physical spaces mirror their power struggles and tentative bonding. Lou claims Reid’s bed unapologetically, forcing him to sleep on the floor—a humorous reversal of traditional marital roles. The vault scene, however, shifts this dynamic; Reid controls access to this intimate space, inviting Lou into his world voluntarily. Their proximity during the book exchange (with Lou perched on “his” bed) and Reid’s smile at her enthusiasm show growing comfort. Later, the washroom interruption by Ansel pauses this intimacy, reintroducing external tensions.5. Why might the author have chosen to include Lou’s criticism of Shepherd and her eventual engagement with Reid’s book?
Answer:
This contrast highlights Lou’s intellectual curiosity beneath her rebellious exterior. Her disdain for Shepherd’s pious themes aligns with her established distrust of dogma, but her willingness to read Reid’s book—despite teasing him—shows her capacity for growth. The moment also foreshadows their relationship’s trajectory: like the warring lovers in La Vie Éphémère, they must move past initial antagonism. Lou’s final “cackle” and Reid’s smile suggest shared humor, a foundation for deeper connection despite their ideological differences.
Quotes
1. “I’d gouged it into the mortar, desperate for a place of my own. A place to hide the parts of myself I’d rather him not find. Perhaps we’d never been closer than brothers, after all.”
This quote reveals Reid’s deep-seated need for personal secrecy and hints at the fractured relationship with Jean Luc. It underscores themes of identity and hidden truths, marking a pivotal introspective moment in the chapter.
2. “‘It’s a story that examines the social construct of humanity, interprets the nuance of good versus evil, and explores the passion of war, love, friendship, death—’ ‘Death?’ ‘Yes. The lovers die at the end.’”
This exchange captures the tension between Reid’s intellectual appreciation for layered narratives and Lou’s blunt pragmatism. It highlights their contrasting worldviews while foreshadowing deeper discussions about mortality and hope.
3. “‘There’s nothing hopeful about death. Death is death.’”
Lou’s stark declaration contrasts sharply with Reid’s nuanced perspective, encapsulating a central philosophical conflict in their dynamic. This quote distills the chapter’s exploration of hope, loss, and differing interpretations of meaning.
4. “‘I like you, Ansel, but this had better be something good. Emilie and Alexandre just had a moment, and I swear if they don’t kiss soon, I will literally die.’”
Lou’s humorous interruption showcases her irreverent personality and growing investment in Reid’s book, serving as a lighthearted turning point before Madame Labelle’s ominous arrival. It demonstrates how their relationship is softening through shared stories.
5. “‘Also, Chass—you stink.’”
This blunt remark exemplifies Lou’s unfiltered honesty and the casual intimacy developing between the characters. It provides comic relief while subtly showing their growing comfort with each other’s flaws.