# The Beginning of Repose explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-beginning-of-repose
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters