Les Misérables · Chapter
II: Marius explained
Marius, despairing after his confrontation with his grandfather, wanders the streets aimlessly and returns to Courfeyrac's quarters.
What happens
Marius, despairing after his confrontation with his grandfather, wanders the streets aimlessly and returns to Courfeyrac's quarters. He awakens to find his friends preparing for General Lamarque's funeral, but he is consumed by thoughts of Cosette. At night, he goes to the Rue Plumet to meet her, but finds the house empty and dark. After calling out for her in vain, he resigns himself to death. A voice, resembling Éponine's, calls to him from the street, telling him his friends await him at the barricade of the Rue de la Chanvrerie.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Sacrifice
Marius's profound despair and willingness to die after losing Cosette reflect themes of personal suffering and the sacrifice of love.
Revolution and Social Upheaval
The mention of General Lamarque's funeral and the barricade foreshadows the coming revolutionary conflict.
Characters to notice
- Marius Pontmercy
Despairing after leaving his grandfather, wanders the streets, and later finds Cosette's house empty, leading him to contemplate death.
- Courfeyrac
Invites Marius to General Lamarque's funeral as he and others prepare to go out.
- Enjolras
Present with Courfeyrac, Feuilly, and Combeferre when Marius awakens, ready to attend the funeral.
- Feuilly
Among the friends gathered at Courfeyrac's quarters, ready to go to the funeral.
- Combeferre
Present with the group preparing to attend General Lamarque's funeral.
- Éponine
Her voice is heard calling to Marius from the street, informing him that his friends are at the barricade.
Key passages
“Marius had left M. Gillenormand in despair. He had entered the house with very little hope, and quitted it with immense despair.”
Marius left his grandfather's house feeling even more hopeless than when he arrived.
Highlights Marius's emotional state after the confrontation.
“All day long he prowled about, without knowing where he was going; it rained at times, he did not perceive it; for his dinner, he purchased a penny roll at a baker's, put it in his pocket and forgot it.”
He wandered aimlessly all day, oblivious to the rain, and bought a roll but forgot to eat it.
Illustrates Marius's distraction and despair.
“He fixed his despairing eyes on that dismal house, which was as black and as silent as a tomb and far more empty.”
He stared hopelessly at the dark, silent house, which seemed emptier than a grave.
Emphasizes the emptiness Marius feels upon finding Cosette gone.