Brunet

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2025-07-06 Diary Coverage: Up to 1874-03-12

Identity

A servant in the Bashkirtseff household. Marie is mortified to find herself blushing when his name is mentioned.

Diary References

1874

• March 7: Marie has appointment with Brunet at 4:15 PM, which conflicts with Biasini's delayed arrival at the villa.
• March 12: Marie reveals her shame: "Ce qui est infâme c'est que je rougis quand on dit 'Brunet', je me serais assassinée, tant j'en rage!" She calls him "ce domestique" (this servant) and is furious that her mother's way of pronouncing his name makes her blush.

Context

• Household servant, not a teacher as initially assumed
• Marie's blushing suggests unwanted attraction or embarrassment
• Her violent reaction ("je me serais assassinée") shows class anxiety
• Mother's pronunciation implies awareness of Marie's reaction
• Marie prays to God not to blush for "this servant"

Research Notes

• Marie's horror at blushing for servant shows strict class boundaries
• Her prayer shows depth of mortification: "Mon Dieu c'est affreux!"
• Incident reveals Marie's vulnerability to inappropriate attractions