Clamence's Bond with Du Guesclin

Follows the emotional connection between Clamence and Du Guesclin in the prison camp, from admiration to guilt.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Meeting

The mad prophet A man of faith Du Guesclin was a young Frenchman, a melancholic Catholic. He was unhinged by the sun and his reflections. He spoke of the need for a new pope. Clamence was intrigued by his sincerity. The initial distance Clamence saw him as a fool, but he was impressed. He loved him, or so he thought. The bond was forged in the shared suffering of the camp.

The Election

The pact of the camp A joke that becomes serious Du Guesclin proposed electing a pope. Clamence raised his hand, and was chosen. The others laughed, but Clamence took it seriously. He became the leader, the pope. The bond of leadership He administered Du Guesclin's suffering. They were now connected by duty and affection. Clamence felt a sense of responsibility. He loved him, he later said, or so it seems.

The Death of Du Guesclin

The loss A self-sacrifice Du Guesclin stinted himself and died. He was already dead, Clamence thought. His death was a silent accusation. Clamence loved him, but he also drank the water of another dying man. The guilt of survival Clamence survived while Du Guesclin died. The bond was broken by death. Clamence later used this memory to justify his philosophy. He loved Du Guesclin, but he also used him.

In the prison camp near Tripoli

Days after the meeting

Later in the camp