"A Simple Heart" tells the story of a servant named Félicité, whose life is marked by devotion and simplicity. Her journey weaves through personal tragedy, brief joys, and spiritual awakening, framed by her undying loyalty to her employer, Madame Aubain. Félicité's story is a poignant reflection on the beauty of a humble and loving heart.

The Humble Life of Félicité

The tale begins with a portrayal of Félicité, a long-serving maid for Madame Aubain, envied by the women of Pont-l'Évêque for her unwavering loyalty spanning half a century. As the sole worker of the household, Félicité manages everything for a trifling annual wage, remaining steadfast despite Madame Aubain's often harsh demeanor. The widow, Madame Aubain, burdened with debts and the care of her two young children, survives by selling her belongings and making do in a decrepit house filled with aging furniture. Félicité is depicted as fastidious, resourceful, and tireless, always donning the same attire and appearing perpetually middle-aged, resembling "a woman made of wood, and going by clockwork."

From Orphan to Devoted Servant

Félicité's past is marred by early loss; she becomes an orphan and works first as a cowherd, then as a dairymaid. At eighteen, during a rare outing to a dance, she encounters Theodore, who, after initially trying to force himself on her, later courts her with fervent declarations of love. Despite Theodore's marriage proposal, he ultimately abandons Félicité for an older, wealthier woman to avoid conscription. Heartbroken, Félicité leaves the farm and finds work with Madame Aubain in Pont-l'Évêque.

In her new role, Félicité excels as a housekeeper, forming a deep attachment to Madame Aubain's children, Paul and Virginie. Her affection for them is so intense that Madame Aubain chides her for excessive displays of affection. Monsieur Bourais, a retired solicitor and family friend, occasionally visits, bringing educational materials, which introduce Félicité to the wider world through Paul's explanations. Her defining moment of bravery occurs when she saves the family from a charging bull, an act that becomes a cherished local legend, though Félicité sees it as a simple duty.

Tragedy and Devotion

Virginie's health is compromised following the bull incident, leading the family to a seaside retreat in Trouville. There, Félicité reunites with a long-lost sister, much to Madame Aubain's dismay due to the sister's frequent visits and her children's demands. Upon returning home, Paul is sent away to school, leaving Félicité with Virginie's catechism classes as a source of solace.

Félicité, having received no religious instruction as a child, becomes emotionally involved in the Catholic rituals accompanying Virginie's religious education. Virginie’s First Communion affects Félicité deeply, equating it to her own significant experience. When Virginie is sent to a convent school, Félicité finds comfort in her nephew Victor's visits. Yet, Victor is soon sent overseas, and Félicité's anxiety over his safety is compounded when she receives news of his death, leaving her devastated once more.

Virginie's health deteriorates due to a lung ailment, culminating in her death. Félicité tenderly prepares the body for burial and consoles the grieving Madame Aubain by reminding her of her duties to both her surviving child and her deceased daughter's memory. Though Madame Aubain is initially forbidden to visit Virginie's grave, Félicité tends to it diligently, bringing comfort to her employer.

Life Amid Loss

As years pass, Madame Aubain's social circle dwindles, while her son Paul falls into a life of excess. Félicité and Madame Aubain frequently reminisce about Virginie, and Félicité helps sort through the girl's belongings. A shared moment of grief over an old hat brings the two women together, creating a rare and profound bond:

Their...