The marquise argues, "Even supposing you could bribe some fellow to father mulatto children, he could only be of low birth,"" and "She can only want the kind of man who would never look at her,"" (13). Mme de B. cannot dispute these comments. The marquise asserts that since Ourika has "entered society without its permission,"" it shall "have its revenge- (14). The marquise is blunt and frank, yet gives an honest evaluation of Ourika's situation, with her interests at heart. .
Ourika accepts the words of the marquise, which shake the very foundation of her confidence and send her spiraling into depression. She sees herself as "dependent, despised, without fortune without a single other being of my kind to help- her (12). Until the time of that fateful conversation, Ourika was a girl with confidence whom had never worried once about her future. Suddenly, on account of the words of her elders, she feels herself to be in hopeless exile, with no future whatsoever. .
The marquise is not the only person who shapes Ourika's destiny. Her dreadful thoughts reduce her to severe illness, and while she is bedridden, Mme de B. summons a priest to deliver the last sacraments. Ourika's consciousness returns, and the priest hears her confess her sins. "Your heart is innocent,"" he tells her, "You must take heart, my child, and pray to Him. He waits with open arms- (45). Ourika listens and finds peace "hitherto unknown from [her] soul- in the priest's words when he tells her, "For Him there is neither black nor white. All hearts are equal in His eyes. And yours promises to be worthy- (45). The encouragement of the priest affects Ourika so much that she chooses to become a nun. She reasons, "A nun is not alone in the world-(45). Prompted by the comfort of the priest who cared for her, she lands upon her final occupation - worshiping God. .
Her self-conception takes the form of her depression and she resists revealing her troubled self and the details of her feelings to those close to her.
