Daughters of the House Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 17, The Cellar Key Summary

Chapter 17, The Cellar Key Summary

Léonie goes down to the cellar. As she reaches the cellar floor, the light goes out. Léonie feels trapped in the darkness, unable to call for help. Antoinette calls out from the top of the stairs, panic in her voice. She disciplines Léonie when the girl returns to the kitchen. Madeleine tries to intervene, explaining that she has told Léonie a story about the wine in the cellar and that Léonie had only wanted to find out for herself. Antoinette, however, is clearly still upset. She abruptly ends the conversation, saying, "Why don't you all just leave me alone" (72).

Chapter 17, The Cellar Key Analysis

Léonie attempts to explore the cellar herself, demonstrating curiosity, courage, and the first hints of rebellion. However, once she descends the stairs the light goes out, and she feels claustrophobic, trapped in the darkness and unable even to call out for help. Symbolically, Léonie has descended into the underbelly of...
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