# II: Prudence Counselled to Wisdom explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

The Bishop of Digne spends the evening working on a theological treatise about duties. Madame Magloire warns him and Mademoiselle Baptistine about a suspicious vagabond in town, urging him to secure the doors. The Bishop listens calmly but does not act on her warnings. When a knock comes at the door, he simply says 'Come in.'

## Themes in this chapter

### Mercy and Forgiveness

The Bishop's calm, open response to the knock foreshadows his merciful treatment of the stranger.

### The Human Condition and Fate

The contrast between Madame Magloire's fear of the vagabond and the Bishop's trust in divine providence highlights human vulnerability and faith.

## Character check-ins

### Monseigneur Bienvenu

The Bishop is working on a book about duties, listens to Madame Magloire's warnings, and responds to a knock at the door.

### Mademoiselle Baptistine

The Bishop's gentle, saintly sister who speaks little and defers to her brother.

### Madame Magloire

The servant who warns the Bishop about a dangerous vagabond and urges him to secure the house.

## Key lines

> Nature had made her a lamb, religion had made her an angel.

Her natural gentleness was elevated to holiness by her faith.

_Describes Mademoiselle Baptistine's character._

> It behooved wise people to play the part of their own police, and to guard themselves well, and care must be taken to duly close, bar and barricade their houses, and to fasten the doors well.

Wise people should take security into their own hands by locking up their homes.

_Madame Magloire's advice reflects the fear of the vagabond._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-prudence-counselled-to-wisdom
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters