Les Misérables · Chapter
Book V: The Descent explained
Fantine's descent into poverty and desperation is detailed, as she sells her hair, teeth, and eventually turns to prostitution to support her daughter Cosette, while the Thénardiers exploit her situation.
What happens
Fantine's descent into poverty and desperation is detailed, as she sells her hair, teeth, and eventually turns to prostitution to support her daughter Cosette, while the Thénardiers exploit her situation.
Themes in this chapter
Social Injustice and Poverty
Fantine's descent illustrates the systemic injustice and crushing poverty faced by the poor, especially women.
Suffering and Sacrifice
Fantine's sacrifices—selling her hair, teeth, and body—highlight the theme of suffering for the sake of a loved one.
Characters to notice
- Fantine
Fantine's tragic descent as she sells her hair, teeth, and becomes a prostitute to pay the Thénardiers for Cosette's care.
- Thénardier
Thénardier overcharges Fantine for Cosette's upkeep, driving her further into poverty.
- Madame Thénardier
Madame Thénardier mistreats Cosette and demands more money from Fantine.
- Cosette
Cosette is neglected and abused by the Thénardiers while her mother sacrifices everything for her.
Key passages
“She sold her hair, she sold her teeth, she sold her body.”
Fantine gave up everything she had, including her hair, teeth, and eventually her body, to survive.
This summarizes the extreme measures Fantine takes to provide for Cosette.
“The Thénardiers were the cause of all this misery.”
The Thénardiers' greed and exploitation were directly responsible for Fantine's suffering.
Highlights the role of the Thénardiers in Fantine's downfall.