The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 2 Summary

Chapter 2 Summary

Stein describes Alice's arrival in Paris, France, in 1907. Stein's lifestyle and her artist friends, who include the struggling and unknown Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, immediately fascinate Toklas. Toklas finds Stein's social life both exciting and interesting, and she describes her feelings about salon life in Paris.

Alice first describes Helene, Stein's cook and maid of all work. Helene is opinionated, and remarks that she does not like Matisse. She finds him somewhat rude and forthright, which she believes is inappropriate for a Frenchman. Helene has worked for Stein for several years and stays within her service until 1913, when she leaves to spend more time with her husband and infant son. She regrets leaving Stein's home, for she later said that life at her home was never as interesting as it was with Toklas and Stein. Toklas tells us that Helene came back sometime later, after her husband...
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