Les Misérables · Chapter
II: Like Master, Like House explained
This chapter describes the residence and character of M.
What happens
This chapter describes the residence and character of M. Gillenormand, an elderly gentleman living in the Marais district of Paris. His apartment is richly furnished with tapestries, a Coromandel screen, and a boudoir with historic hangings. Gillenormand is portrayed as a man of mixed manners—part courtier, part lawyer—who had two wives, was a connoisseur of painting, and dressed in the style of the Directory. He holds a disdainful view of the French Revolution.
Characters to notice
- M. Gillenormand
The chapter focuses on his home, possessions, personal history, and conservative opinions.
Key passages
“He lived in the Marais, Rue des Filles-du-Calvaire, No. 6. He owned the house.”
Gillenormand resided at 6 Rue des Filles-du-Calvaire in the Marais, and he was the owner of the building.
Establishes Gillenormand's social standing and property ownership.
“He said authoritatively: 'The French Revolution is a heap of blackguards.'”
He declared with authority that the French Revolution was nothing but a collection of scoundrels.
Reveals Gillenormand's royalist and anti-Revolutionary sentiments.