Les Misérables · Chapter
Men Must Have Wine, and Horses Must Have Water explained
Cosette, only eight years old, is forced by Madame Thénardier to fetch water from a spring in the dark night, despite her fear and the lack of water in the cistern.
What happens
Cosette, only eight years old, is forced by Madame Thénardier to fetch water from a spring in the dark night, despite her fear and the lack of water in the cistern. She is also ordered to buy a loaf of bread, highlighting her harsh treatment and isolation.
Themes in this chapter
Social Injustice and Poverty
Cosette's forced labor and physical abuse at the hands of the Thénardiers exemplify the exploitation of the poor and the systemic injustice faced by vulnerable children.
Suffering and Sacrifice
Cosette endures physical pain, fear, and exhaustion as she is compelled to obey unreasonable demands, highlighting her suffering and sacrifice in a hostile environment.
Characters to notice
- Cosette
Cosette is meditating sadly, reflecting on her suffering. She is beaten and forced to go fetch water in the dark, showing her vulnerability and abuse.
- Madame Thénardier
Madame Thénardier is cruel and abusive, striking Cosette and forcing her to perform dangerous tasks. She shows no compassion and treats Cosette as a servant.
- Thénardier
Thénardier is present in the inn, but his role is minimal in this excerpt; he is part of the oppressive environment.
Key passages
“Cosette was meditating sadly; for, although she was only eight years old, she had already suffered so much that she reflected with the lugubrious air of an old woman.”
Despite being just eight, Cosette's extensive suffering has made her think with the gloomy seriousness of an elderly person.
This emphasizes the premature aging and emotional burden placed on Cosette by her harsh life.
“Her eye was black in consequence of a blow from Madame Thénardier’s fist, which caused the latter to remark from time to time, “How ugly she is with her fist-blow on her eye!””
Cosette has a black eye from Madame Thénardier's punch, and the woman cruelly comments on her appearance.
This illustrates the physical abuse and verbal cruelty Cosette endures.