# Blondeau’s Funeral Oration by Bossuet explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-blondeau-s-funeral-oration-by-bossuet
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters