Summary
Adeline recovers under the tender care of La Luc's family, who embrace her as their own. La Luc formally adopts her as a daughter, offering the parental love she's never known. Though surrounded by kindness, Adeline struggles with constant anxiety about Theodore's fate, finding solace only in books, nature, and the sublime mountain scenery around their home. She discovers that English poetry, particularly Shakespeare and Milton, helps quiet her tormented thoughts. During a family excursion to view the glaciers, Clara's horse bolts during a thunderstorm, nearly throwing her into the lake. A mysterious stranger, M. Verneuil, saves Clara but injures himself in the process. La Luc invites him to recover at their home, and the evening reveals Verneuil to be an intelligent, well-traveled man with thoughtful views on human nature. He and La Luc engage in deep philosophical discussions about wisdom, happiness, and the importance of believing in human goodness rather than focusing only on mankind's darker impulses. This chapter shows how healing happens gradually through community, intellectual stimulation, and the recognition that chosen family can provide the love and stability that biological family failed to give. Adeline begins to find peace, though Theodore's memory still haunts her quiet moments.
Coming Up in Chapter 18
The mysterious M. Verneuil's presence brings new energy to the household, but his true identity and purpose remain hidden. As Adeline continues to heal, unexpected revelations about her past may soon surface.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
Still Fancy, to herself unkind, Awakes to grief the soften'd mind. And points the bleeding friend. COLLINS. Adeline, assisted by a fine constitution, and the kind attentions of her new friends, was in a little more than a week so much recovered as to leave her chamber. She was introduced to La Luc, whom she met with tears of gratitude, and thanked for his goodness in a manner so warm, yet so artless, as interested him still more in her favour. During the progress of her recovery, the sweetness of her behaviour had entirely won the heart of Clara, and greatly interested that of her aunt, whose reports of Adeline, together with the praises bestowed by Clara, had excited both esteem and curiosity in the breast of La Luc; and he now met her with an expression of benignity which spoke peace and comfort to her heart. She had acquainted Madame La Luc with such particulars of her story as Peter, either through ignorance or inattention, had not communicated, suppressing only, through a false delicacy perhaps, an acknowledgment of her attachment to Theodore. These circumstances were repeated to La Luc, who, ever sensible to the sufferings of others, was particularly interested by the singular misfortunes of Adeline. Near a fortnight had elapsed since her removal to the chateau, when one morning La Luc desired to speak with her alone. She followed him into his study, and then in a manner the most delicate he told her, that as he found she was so unfortunate in her father, he desired she would henceforth consider him as her parent, and his house as her home. You and Clara shall be equally my daughters, continued he; I am rich in having such children. The strong emotions of surprise and gratitude for some time kept Adeline silent. Do not thank me, said La Luc; I know all you would say, and I know also that I am but doing my duty: I thank God that my duty and my pleasures are generally in unison. Adeline wiped away the tears which his goodness had excited, and was going to speak; but La Luc pressed her hand, and turning away to conceal his emotion, walked out of the room. Adeline was now considered as a part of the family; and in the parental kindness of La Luc, the sisterly affection of Clara, and the steady and uniform regard of Madame, she would have been happy as she was thankful, had not unceasing anxiety for the fate of Theodore, of whom in this solitude she was less likely than ever to hear, corroded her heart, and embittered every moment of reflection. Even when sleep obliterated for awhile the memory of the past, his image frequently arose to her fancy, accompanied by all the exaggerations of terror. She saw him in chains, and struggling in the grasp of ruffians, or saw him led, amidst the dreadful preparations for execution, into the field: she saw the agony of his...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Chosen Family - Building Stability from Scratch
Deep healing often requires being claimed and choosing to claim others as permanent family, not just receiving temporary kindness.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to distinguish between people who offer temporary help and those who are genuinely inviting you into permanent belonging.
Practice This Today
This week, notice the difference between 'you can crash here tonight' and 'here's your key'—chosen family creates permanent space, not just temporary relief.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Sublime
In 18th-century thought, the sublime referred to experiences of overwhelming beauty or terror that inspire awe and make us feel small. Mountains, storms, and vast landscapes were considered sublime because they reminded people of forces greater than themselves.
Modern Usage:
We still seek sublime experiences today through extreme sports, nature documentaries, or standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon - moments that make us feel simultaneously insignificant and connected to something larger.
Sensibility
The 18th-century ideal that refined, educated people should be highly sensitive to beauty, suffering, and moral situations. Someone with 'sensibility' would cry at poetry, feel deeply for others' pain, and be moved by nature.
Modern Usage:
Today we might call this emotional intelligence or empathy, though we're more suspicious of people who seem to feel too much or perform their emotions publicly.
Patronage
The system where wealthy, powerful people supported those beneath them socially, offering protection, education, or opportunity in exchange for loyalty and gratitude. La Luc's adoption of Adeline follows this pattern.
Modern Usage:
We see this in mentorship programs, scholarship sponsors, or when successful people take someone 'under their wing' - though today we're more aware of the power dynamics involved.
Natural Philosophy
What we now call science - the study of the natural world through observation and reason. In the 18th century, educated gentlemen were expected to discuss topics like astronomy, geology, and human nature.
Modern Usage:
This survives in our expectation that educated people should be able to discuss current scientific discoveries or have opinions about technology and its effects on society.
Melancholy
In Radcliffe's time, melancholy wasn't just sadness but a complex emotional state mixing sorrow, contemplation, and even pleasure in one's own deep feelings. It was considered a mark of refinement.
Modern Usage:
We see this in how people today sometimes cultivate sadness through music, movies, or social media - finding a bittersweet comfort in dwelling on loss or longing.
Benevolence
The 18th-century belief that naturally good people would actively help others, not just avoid harm. Benevolent characters like La Luc were meant to show that virtue creates happiness for everyone.
Modern Usage:
This appears in our expectation that good people should 'pay it forward' or that successful individuals should give back to their communities through charity or mentorship.
Characters in This Chapter
Adeline
Recovering protagonist
She's learning to accept love and stability after trauma, but still struggles with anxiety about Theodore's fate. Her healing process shows both progress and setbacks as she tries to build a new identity as La Luc's adopted daughter.
Modern Equivalent:
The friend recovering from an abusive relationship who's learning to trust again but still checks her phone obsessively
La Luc
Benevolent father figure
He formally adopts Adeline, offering unconditional love and intellectual stimulation. His philosophical discussions with M. Verneuil reveal his belief in human goodness and the importance of hope over cynicism.
Modern Equivalent:
The mentor who sees potential in someone everyone else has written off and refuses to give up on them
Clara
Supportive sister figure
She provides Adeline with the sisterly bond she's never had, and her near-death experience during the storm creates a moment that brings M. Verneuil into their lives. Her genuine affection helps Adeline feel truly wanted.
Modern Equivalent:
The friend who immediately includes you in her family and makes you feel like you belong
M. Verneuil
Mysterious rescuer
He saves Clara from the bolting horse and proves to be an educated, thoughtful man whose philosophical conversations with La Luc explore questions about human nature, wisdom, and the choice between hope and despair.
Modern Equivalent:
The interesting stranger who shows up at exactly the right moment and turns out to have depth beyond his good looks
Madame La Luc
Nurturing maternal figure
She provides the practical, day-to-day care that helps Adeline heal, offering the steady maternal presence that Adeline has always craved. Her reports to her husband help convince him to adopt Adeline.
Modern Equivalent:
The mother figure who takes in strays and makes everyone feel like family through small daily kindnesses
Key Quotes & Analysis
"Still Fancy, to herself unkind, Awakes to grief the soften'd mind, And points the bleeding friend."
Context: The chapter's opening epigraph, setting the tone for Adeline's continued emotional struggle despite her physical recovery.
This quote captures how imagination can be both gift and curse - the same sensitivity that allows us to appreciate beauty also makes us vulnerable to creating our own suffering. It perfectly describes Adeline's state as she heals physically but still torments herself mentally.
In Today's Words:
Sometimes your own mind is your worst enemy, making you feel worse by imagining the worst-case scenarios.
"It is the nature of the human mind to endeavour to elevate itself above misfortune, and to seek consolation in the sublime."
Context: During his philosophical discussion with La Luc about how people cope with suffering and find meaning.
This reveals the 18th-century belief that humans naturally seek transcendence through beauty and grandeur when life becomes unbearable. It explains why Adeline finds comfort in mountain scenery and literature rather than dwelling on her problems.
In Today's Words:
When life gets really hard, people naturally look for something bigger than themselves to put their problems in perspective.
"The heart that is not too proud to acknowledge its errors, or too weak to correct them, possesses the true dignity of human nature."
Context: During his conversation with M. Verneuil about wisdom and human character.
This defines true strength as the ability to admit mistakes and change, rather than stubborn pride or weakness that gives up. It reflects La Luc's philosophy of hope and growth, showing why he's able to help others heal.
In Today's Words:
Real strength means being humble enough to admit when you're wrong and brave enough to do better.
"She found in books that refuge from her own thoughts, which nothing else could give her."
Context: Describing how Adeline uses reading, particularly English poetry, to quiet her anxious mind about Theodore.
This shows how literature can serve as both escape and therapy, providing relief from obsessive thoughts while also offering models for understanding experience. It validates reading as a legitimate coping mechanism.
In Today's Words:
Books were the only thing that could shut up the worried voice in her head.
Thematic Threads
Identity
In This Chapter
Adeline transforms from orphaned refugee to adopted daughter, gaining a new social identity and sense of belonging
Development
Evolved from her earlier struggles with unknown parentage and social displacement
In Your Life:
You might recognize this when a mentor, friend, or community gives you an identity and belonging you never had growing up.
Class
In This Chapter
La Luc's adoption elevates Adeline's social status and provides her with cultural capital through education and refinement
Development
Continues her journey from servant-like dependency to recognized genteel status
In Your Life:
You see this when someone with higher social capital takes you under their wing and opens doors you couldn't access alone.
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
The chapter shows how different types of love serve different healing functions - parental, sibling, and intellectual companionship
Development
Builds on earlier themes by showing love as actively chosen rather than circumstantial
In Your Life:
You experience this when you realize some relationships heal specific wounds while others provide different kinds of support.
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Adeline finds intellectual stimulation in English poetry and philosophical discussions, showing growth beyond mere survival
Development
Progressed from basic safety needs to higher-level intellectual and emotional development
In Your Life:
You might notice this when you move from just getting by to actually pursuing interests and deeper conversations that feed your mind.
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
The introduction of M. Verneuil shows how social gatherings and intellectual discourse are expected parts of genteel life
Development
Shows Adeline now participating in rather than observing upper-class social interactions
In Your Life:
You see this when you start fitting into social circles that once felt foreign, learning their unwritten rules and expectations.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
How does La Luc's formal adoption of Adeline differ from simply offering her a place to stay?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Adeline find peace in this family when she's still worried about Theodore?
analysis • medium - 3
Where do you see chosen family relationships providing what biological families couldn't in your community or workplace?
application • medium - 4
When someone has been let down by their original family, what specific actions help them trust a chosen family?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter suggest about the difference between temporary kindness and permanent belonging?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Chosen Family Network
Draw a simple map of your current relationships, marking which people provide family-like support versus casual friendship. Include mentors, close friends, and anyone who has 'claimed' you or vice versa. Notice gaps where you might need stronger chosen family connections.
Consider:
- •Some chosen family members might not realize their importance to you
- •Professional relationships can evolve into chosen family bonds
- •Quality matters more than quantity in these relationships
Journaling Prompt
Write about someone who chose to claim you when they didn't have to. What did they do that made you feel permanently valued rather than temporarily helped?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 18: Departures and New Horizons
What lies ahead teaches us shared suffering creates unexpected bonds between strangers, and shows us leaving familiar places can be both necessary and heartbreaking. These patterns appear in literature and life alike.