# Book V: Grandson and Grandfather explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

This chapter explores the complex relationship between Marius Pontmercy and his grandfather, M. Gillenormand, highlighting their ideological conflicts and the emotional distance between them.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Human Condition and Fate

The generational conflict between Marius and Gillenormand illustrates the human struggle with change, legacy, and the inevitability of ideological evolution.

## Character check-ins

### Marius Pontmercy

Marius is portrayed as a young man caught between his father's legacy and his grandfather's royalist views, struggling with his identity and loyalties.

### M. Gillenormand

Gillenormand is the authoritarian grandfather who disapproves of Marius's political leanings and attempts to control his grandson's life.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-v-grandson-and-grandfather
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters