# Fauchelevent in the Presence of a Difficulty explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Fauchelevent, the convent gardener, approaches the prioress with a request to bring his brother and his brother's young daughter to live and work with him, citing his age and infirmities. The prioress, after listening, asks him to procure a stout iron bar for a lever, then leaves him alone.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Sacrifice

Fauchelevent's age and infirmities, and his willingness to sacrifice his own comfort to bring his brother and niece into the convent, reflect themes of personal sacrifice.

## Character check-ins

### Father Fauchelevent

The gardener, also called Father Fauvent, presents a request to the prioress to bring his brother and niece into the convent.

### Mother Crucifixion

The prioress, Mademoiselle de Blemeur (Mother Innocente), listens to Fauchelevent's request and asks him to procure an iron bar.

## Key lines

> It is the peculiarity of certain persons and certain professions, notably priests and nuns, to wear a grave and agitated air on critical occasions.

Priests and nuns often appear serious and anxious during important moments.

_Describes the demeanor of the prioress and the gravity of the situation._

> Goodman Fauchelevent, the ex-notary, belonged to the category of peasants who have assurance. A certain clever ignorance constitutes a force; you do not distrust it, and you are caught by it.

Fauchelevent, a former notary, had the confident cunning of a peasant, using apparent simplicity to gain trust.

_Highlights Fauchelevent's shrewdness and how he navigates convent politics._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-fauchelevent-in-the-presence-of-a-difficulty
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