# I: An Ancient Salon explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

This chapter describes the salon of Madame de T., a gathering of Royalist aristocrats in 1817 Paris, where M. Gillenormand is a dominant figure. The salon is characterized by its reactionary politics, mockery of the Revolution and Bonapartists, and acceptance of disreputable figures like the Comte de Lamothe-Valois. Gillenormand's daughter and his young grandson, whose father is a 'brigand of the Loire,' are also present.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Injustice and Poverty

The salon's aristocratic disdain for the lower classes and its mockery of the Revolution highlight the social hierarchies and injustices of the era.

### The Human Condition and Fate

The chapter explores how social standing and political allegiance shape individuals' fates, as seen in the pity for Marius due to his father's past.

## Character check-ins

### M. Gillenormand

The central figure of the salon, an old bourgeois Royalist known for his wit and oracular pronouncements, accompanied by his daughter and grandson.

### Mademoiselle Gillenormand

Gillenormand's daughter, over forty but appearing fifty, who always accompanies him to the salon.

### Marius Pontmercy

Gillenormand's seven-year-old grandson, described as handsome and rosy, but pitied because his father is a 'brigand of the Loire.'

### Georges Pontmercy

Marius's father, referred to as 'a brigand of the Loire' and 'the disgrace of his family' by Gillenormand.

## Key lines

> loss of caloric in the vicinity of those who are cold, there is a diminution of consideration in the approach of despised persons.

Just as heat is lost near cold objects, so is respect lost when associating with despised people.

_A metaphor used to explain why the upper classes avoid contact with the disreputable, though the salon makes exceptions for certain individuals._

> All kings who are not the King of France are provincial kings.

Any king other than the King of France is merely a provincial ruler.

_Gillenormand's witty remark reflecting French Royalist superiority._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-an-ancient-salon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters