Through his two protagonists he contrasts two worlds and two ways of life. On one side, Jeanne is disillusioned by atmosphere of death which follows her and by the austerity of the town. On the other, François, educated by his grandmother, maintains all his religious values and the simplicity linked to his native town. Nature plays a great role in this story. It represents the peace of spirit, the calm that the characters look for and that accompanies them in their pain.
