# Book VIII: Cemeteries Take That Which Is Committed Them explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Jean Valjean, having rescued Cosette from the Thénardiers, seeks refuge in a convent. With the help of Father Fauchelevent, he orchestrates a plan to enter the convent by faking his own death, using a coffin and the gravedigger's assistance. The chapter explores themes of death, burial, and the lengths one will go to for safety and redemption.

## Themes in this chapter

### Redemption and Transformation

Jean Valjean's faked death symbolizes a rebirth as he seeks a new life in the convent.

### Suffering and Sacrifice

The extreme measures Valjean takes, including being buried alive, highlight his willingness to suffer for Cosette's safety.

## Character check-ins

### Jean Valjean

Fakes his death to enter the convent with Cosette.

### Father Fauchelevent

Helps Jean Valjean orchestrate the plan to enter the convent.

### Cosette

Brought to the convent by Jean Valjean for safety.

### Gribier

The gravedigger who assists in the burial plot.

## Key lines

> Cemeteries take that which is committed them.

The dead are irrevocably claimed by the earth.

_Reflects the finality of death and the risks Valjean takes in faking his own._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-viii-cemeteries-take-that-which-is-committed-them
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters