# The Convent as an Historical Fact explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

This chapter presents a historical and philosophical critique of monasticism, particularly female convents, arguing that while they were useful in early civilization, by the 19th century they have become detrimental to social progress. The author describes the grim realities of convents in Spain and Italy, contrasting them with the ideals of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution, and dismisses attempts to soften these harsh truths as mere declamation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Injustice and Poverty

The chapter condemns monastic institutions as centers of idleness that impoverish the country and describes the horrific conditions of nuns imprisoned in convents, highlighting systemic social injustice.

### Suffering and Sacrifice

Vivid descriptions of nuns' physical mortifications and the in pace dungeons emphasize the extreme suffering imposed by the convent system.

### Revolution and Social Upheaval

The French Revolution of 1789 is presented as a necessary force to purge society of the harmful influence of monasticism, aligning with themes of revolutionary change.

## Key lines

> Monasteries, when they abound in a nation, are clogs in its circulation, cumbrous establishments, centres of idleness where centres of labor should exist.

Monasteries are obstacles to a nation's progress, acting as wasteful institutions that promote idleness instead of productive work.

_The author argues that monasticism is economically and socially harmful._

> The leprosy of monasticism has gnawed nearly to a skeleton two wonderful nations, Italy and Spain; the one the light, the other the splendor of Europe for centuries; and, at the present day, these two illustrious peoples are but just beginning to convalesce, thanks to the healthy and vigorous hygiene of 1789 alone.

Monasticism has devastated Italy and Spain, two once-great nations, and only the French Revolution has begun to heal them.

_The author credits the Revolution with rescuing these countries from the decay caused by monastic institutions._

> The convent⁠—the ancient female convent in particular, such as it still presents itself on the threshold of this century, in Italy, in Austria, in Spain⁠—is one of the most sombre concretions of the Middle Ages.

The old-style convent, especially for women, is a dark remnant of medieval times still existing in the 19th century.

_The chapter frames convents as anachronistic and oppressive institutions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-the-convent-as-an-historical-fact
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters