# Just Indignation of a Hairdresser explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

A hairdresser shaves an old soldier of the Empire while they discuss the Emperor's horse and battle wounds. Their conversation is interrupted when a stone thrown by Gavroche shatters the shop window, prompting the hairdresser's outrage.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Human Condition and Fate

The soldier's matter-of-fact recounting of his many wounds contrasts with the hairdresser's romanticized view of dying in battle, highlighting different perspectives on fate and suffering.

## Character check-ins

### Gavroche

Throws a stone through the hairdresser's window as he flees, recalling the two little boys he had earlier taken in.

## Key lines

> How did the Emperor ride, sir?

The hairdresser asks the veteran about Napoleon's horsemanship.

_Reveals the common man's curiosity about the Emperor's personal habits._

> You're not over fastidious.

The soldier dismisses the hairdresser's wish to die gloriously in battle.

_Shows the veteran's pragmatic view of war's horrors versus the civilian's romanticism._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-just-indignation-of-a-hairdresser
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters