46 pages 1 hour read

Bonjour Tristesse

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1954

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Part 1, Chapters 4-6Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of substance use, sexual content, emotional abuse, and physical abuse.

Part 1, Chapter 4 Summary

Anne is gracious toward Elsa, never criticizing her or making cutting remarks, despite Elsa’s shallow conversation. As Raymond begins treating Anne more like a member of the family, Cécile notices his desire for her growing. Anne, however, appears indifferent.


Elsa seems oblivious to the dynamic until one day she whispers something to Raymond, prompting him to follow her to her room under the pretense of taking a siesta. Anne, unmoved, remains on the terrace. Cécile makes a flippant remark about siestas, but Anne responds sharply. Cécile tries to joke further about Elsa’s sunburn, but Anne reprimands her for her immaturity.


The exchange leaves Cécile feeling ashamed and self-critical. She reflects on Anne’s words and wonders whether she has ever truly missed anyone. The following two weeks pass in a blur, as Cécile tries to ignore growing tensions.


Meanwhile, Cécile continues spending time with Cyril. They go dancing and sailing, and though their romance feels intense in the moment, it quicky fades by morning. During a visit to see Cyril’s mother, Raymond is friendly and flirtatious, while Cécile grows irritated by the woman’s conventional values. Anne defends the woman’s lifestyle, which frustrates Cécile, who sees it as empty and conformist.

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