# Marius Attacked explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Marius, recovering from his wounds, declares to his grandfather M. Gillenormand his intention to marry Cosette. To his surprise, his grandfather not only agrees but reveals he has already made inquiries about her and approves of the match. Overcome with emotion, both weep and reconcile, with Marius calling him 'father' for the first time. The chapter ends with Gillenormand's outburst about the execution of André Chénier.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Compassion

The chapter highlights the deep love between Marius and Cosette, as well as the unexpected compassion and tenderness from M. Gillenormand.

### Redemption and Transformation

M. Gillenormand's change of heart from a stern grandfather to a loving, forgiving figure represents a personal transformation.

### Mercy and Forgiveness

Gillenormand's immediate acceptance of Marius's wish and his emotional reconciliation embody mercy and forgiveness.

## Character check-ins

### Marius Pontmercy

Recovering from his wounds, he boldly declares his wish to marry Cosette and is stunned by his grandfather's immediate approval.

### M. Gillenormand

Surprises Marius by agreeing to the marriage, revealing he has already investigated Cosette, and breaks down in tears, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation.

### Cosette

Mentioned as the object of Marius's love; she has been weeping and making lint for him during his convalescence.

### Mademoiselle Gillenormand

Present in the room, arranging phials and cups, and later adjusting Marius's pillow.

### Basque

The servant who is blacking boots in the anteroom when Gillenormand confronts him about André Chénier.

### Nicolette

Mentioned as having attended to Marius constantly during his illness.

## Key lines

> “Look here, my little Marius, if I were in your place, I would eat meat now in preference to fish. A fried sole is excellent to begin a convalescence with, but a good cutlet is needed to put a sick man on his feet.”

Gillenormand suggests that Marius should eat meat rather than fish to regain his strength.

_Gillenormand's practical advice on convalescence._

> “That I wish to marry.” “Agreed,” said his grandfather.⁠—And he burst out laughing.

Marius declares his intention to marry, and his grandfather immediately agrees with a laugh.

_The pivotal moment of Marius's announcement and Gillenormand's surprising response._

> “Ah, so you love me!” said the old man.

Gillenormand exclaims in joy when Marius calls him 'father'.

_The emotional climax of their reconciliation._

> “By the hundred thousand Javottes of the devil, those ruffians did assassinate him!”

Gillenormand angrily declares that the revolutionaries murdered André Chénier.

_Gillenormand's outburst about the execution of the poet._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-marius-attacked
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters