# Jean Valjean Still Wears His Arm in a Sling explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Cosette and Marius are married in a joyful ceremony. Jean Valjean, his arm still in a sling, follows as M. Gillenormand escorts Cosette. After the wedding, a grand feast is held, but Valjean quietly leaves before dinner, claiming his injured hand pains him. His empty chair is filled by Marius, and the celebration continues with laughter and a speech from Gillenormand.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Compassion

The chapter celebrates the love between Cosette and Marius, culminating in their wedding and the joy it brings to those around them.

### Suffering and Sacrifice

Valjean's quiet departure and his arm in a sling hint at his ongoing sacrifice and pain, contrasting with the general happiness.

## Character check-ins

### Cosette

The bride, dressed in white, radiant and joyful, now Madame Pontmercy.

### Marius Pontmercy

The groom, scarred from the barricade, deeply in love with Cosette.

### Jean Valjean

Attends the wedding with his arm in a sling, smiles but leaves before dinner, claiming pain.

### M. Gillenormand

The grandfather, escorts Cosette, gives a joyful speech at the feast, and takes Valjean's place at the table.

### Théodule

A captain, cousin of Marius, attends the wedding but is not recognized by Cosette.

## Key lines

> Cosette, both at the mayor's office and at church, was dazzling and touching.

Cosette was stunning and moved everyone at both the civil and religious ceremonies.

_Describes Cosette's beauty and emotional impact during the wedding._

> The long agony of their love was terminating in an ascension.

Their prolonged suffering in love was ending in a glorious rise.

_Reflects on how past hardships enhance the joy of the wedding._

> That empty armchair chilled the effusion of the wedding feast for a moment.

The vacant chair briefly dampened the festive mood.

_Highlights the moment when Valjean's absence is noticed._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-jean-valjean-still-wears-his-arm-in-a-sling
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters