Les Misérables · Chapter
The Beginning of Repose explained
M.
What happens
M. Madeleine cares for the ailing Fantine in his infirmary, praying before a crucifix and learning her full story. He sends money to the Thénardiers to bring Cosette to her mother, but Thénardier delays, sensing profit. Fantine's health declines, and the doctor urges haste in reuniting her with her child.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Sacrifice
Fantine's physical decline and her past sacrifices for Cosette are central, as is M. Madeleine's compassionate care.
Mercy and Forgiveness
M. Madeleine's prayer for the 'martyr on high' and Fantine's hope for divine pardon through her child highlight themes of mercy.
Characters to notice
- Jean Valjean
As M. Madeleine, he tends to Fantine, prays for her, and arranges to bring Cosette.
- Fantine
Lying ill in the infirmary, she longs for Cosette and speaks of her past sins and hope for pardon.
- Javert
Writes a letter to the Paris police secretary, which observers mistake for a resignation.
- Thénardier
Receives money from M. Madeleine but refuses to send Cosette, seeing her as a source of profit.
- Cosette
Expected by her mother Fantine, but kept by the Thénardiers.
Key passages
“I was praying to the martyr there on high.”
He was praying to the crucified Christ.
M. Madeleine explains his prayer to Fantine, linking her suffering to that of the martyr.
“You have suffered much, poor mother. Oh! do not complain; you now have the dowry of the elect. It is thus that men are transformed into angels.”
Your suffering is a blessing that turns mortals into angels.
M. Madeleine comforts Fantine by reframing her pain as a path to grace.
“I have been a sinner; but when I have my child beside me, it will be a sign that God has pardoned me.”
My child's presence will prove God's forgiveness for my sins.
Fantine expresses her hope that Cosette's arrival will signify divine mercy.