Les Misérables · Chapter
One of the Red Spectres of That Epoch explained
This chapter recounts the life of Colonel Georges Pontmercy, a veteran of the Napoleonic wars who is now living in obscurity in Vernon.
What happens
This chapter recounts the life of Colonel Georges Pontmercy, a veteran of the Napoleonic wars who is now living in obscurity in Vernon. After Waterloo, he is placed on half-pay and under surveillance by the Restoration government. He secretly visits his son Marius in Paris, hiding behind a pillar in Saint-Sulpice, but Marius, influenced by his grandfather, feels shame toward his father. Pontmercy becomes a gardener, cultivating flowers, and forms a friendship with the local curé, M. Mabeuf. The chapter details his military career, from the Revolution to Waterloo, where he captures a regimental standard and is made a colonel and baron by Napoleon, only to be wounded and later marginalized by the Bourbon regime.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Sacrifice
Pontmercy sacrifices his own happiness and presence in his son's life, enduring poverty and isolation in Vernon for Marius's future, while bearing the physical and emotional scars of war.
The Human Condition and Fate
The chapter explores how a hero of the Empire is reduced to a forgotten gardener, illustrating the capriciousness of fate and the human condition under shifting political regimes.
Revolution and Social Upheaval
Pontmercy's life spans the Revolution, the Napoleonic era, and the Restoration, showing how social and political upheaval shapes individual destinies.
Characters to notice
- Georges Pontmercy
The 'brigand of the Loire,' a scarred veteran living in Vernon, secretly watching his son Marius from behind a pillar at Saint-Sulpice, now a gardener and friend of Abbé Mabeuf.
- Marius Pontmercy
The young boy taken to mass by his aunt, gradually learning of his father and feeling shame and pain at heart.
- M. Mabeuf
The curé of Vernon, brother of a warden of Saint-Sulpice, who befriends Colonel Pontmercy and learns his story.
- M. Gillenormand
Marius's grandfather, who tolerates only dictated duty letters to Pontmercy and thrusts the father's tender replies unread into his pocket.
- Mademoiselle Gillenormand
Aunt Gillenormand, who leads Marius to mass and is feared by the colonel, who hides from her.
Key passages
“The scarred veteran was afraid of that old spinster.”
The battle-hardened colonel was terrified of his son's aunt.
Highlights the irony of a war hero fearing a spinster, emphasizing his sacrifice and the social constraints he endures.
“He was the 'brigand of the Loire.'”
He was known locally as the outlaw of the Loire region.
Reveals the stigma attached to former Napoleonic soldiers under the Restoration.
“Pontmercy replied: 'Sire, I thank you for my widow.'”
Pontmercy thanked the Emperor on behalf of his future widow, implying he expected to die in battle.
Shows Pontmercy's fatalism and devotion to duty, presaging his near-death at Waterloo.