Social Hygiene

Antonin’s sister Solveig blames him for his failings in regards to their family—and his dissipated lifestyle. As if to challenge her, he tells her that he and his best friend earn their living as thieves. Antonin goes on to suffer other reprimands over the course of his rural journey, including from Cassiopée, the woman he loves ; Eglantine, his wife ; and Rose, an official at the Ministry of Revenue.