# Book V: The Descent explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-v-the-descent
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters