Les Misérables · Chapter
Blondeau’s Funeral Oration by Bossuet explained
Laigle de Meaux (Bossuet) spots Marius Pontmercy in a cabriolet and explains how he saved Marius from being erased from the law-school roll by answering for him, only to be erased himself.
What happens
Laigle de Meaux (Bossuet) spots Marius Pontmercy in a cabriolet and explains how he saved Marius from being erased from the law-school roll by answering for him, only to be erased himself. Courfeyrac then invites Marius to stay at his lodging.
Themes in this chapter
The Human Condition and Fate
Bossuet's casual sacrifice of his own academic standing to save a stranger highlights the whims of fate and the absurdity of rigid systems.
Characters to notice
- Bossuet
Laigle de Meaux, who calls himself Bossuet; he spots Marius and recounts the roll-call incident.
- Marius Pontmercy
Just left his grandfather's; is in a cabriolet and learns of Bossuet's sacrifice.
- Courfeyrac
Emerges from the Café Musain and offers Marius a place to stay.
Key passages
“To lean one’s back against a thing is equivalent to lying down while standing erect, which attitude is not hated by thinkers.”
Leaning against something is like standing while lying down, a pose favored by contemplative people.
Describes Bossuet's relaxed posture at the café.
“I was close to the desk to reply, and close to the door for the purpose of flight.”
I sat near the desk to answer the roll and near the door to escape quickly.
Bossuet explains his strategic seating during the roll-call.