Les Misérables · Chapter
II: Marius, Emerging from Civil War, Makes Ready for Domestic War explained
Marius convalesces after being wounded in the barricade fighting, cared for by his grandfather M.
What happens
Marius convalesces after being wounded in the barricade fighting, cared for by his grandfather M. Gillenormand, who is overjoyed at his recovery. Marius, however, remains fixated on finding Cosette and anticipates a conflict with his grandfather over his desire to marry her, steeling himself for a domestic battle.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Compassion
M. Gillenormand's tender, almost grandmotherly care for Marius during his convalescence exemplifies familial love and compassion.
Suffering and Sacrifice
Marius endures a long and painful recovery, and his grandfather suffers alongside him, highlighting the theme of suffering.
The Human Condition and Fate
Marius's struggle between his love for Cosette and his duty to his grandfather reflects the human condition and the fated choices that shape life.
Characters to notice
- Marius Pontmercy
Lies wounded and delirious for weeks, then convalesces; his sole fixed idea is to find Cosette again, and he prepares for a confrontation with his grandfather over this.
- M. Gillenormand
Devotedly nurses Marius, showing ecstatic joy at his recovery; he showers him with tenderness but is unaware of Marius's inner resolve regarding Cosette.
- Cosette
Though absent, she is the constant object of Marius's thoughts and the reason for his anticipated domestic war.
- Mademoiselle Gillenormand
Assists in Marius's care, sparing fine linen while letting her father believe his wishes are followed.
- Georges Pontmercy
Marius reflects on his father, Colonel Pontmercy, and the old injustice from his grandfather, which hardens his resolve.
- Basque
Observes M. Gillenormand praying after the doctor announces Marius is out of danger.
- Nicolette
Uses a sheet as large as the ceiling for lint and is the object of M. Gillenormand's playful advances.
Key passages
“For a long time, Marius was neither dead nor alive. For many weeks he lay in a fever accompanied by delirium, and by tolerably grave cerebral symptoms, caused more by the shocks of the wounds on the head than by the wounds themselves.”
Marius hovered between life and death for weeks, suffering from fever and delirium due to head trauma rather than his physical wounds.
Describes the severity of Marius's condition after the barricade.
“He repeated Cosette’s name for whole nights in the melancholy loquacity of fever, and with the sombre obstinacy of agony.”
In his feverish delirium, Marius endlessly murmured Cosette's name with desperate persistence.
Highlights Marius's obsession with Cosette even in his unconscious state.
“He would have Cosette or die.”
Marius was determined to either reunite with Cosette or die trying.
Captures Marius's absolute resolve regarding his love for Cosette.