# Mother Innocente explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

The prioress and Father Fauchelevent discuss the secret burial of Mother Crucifixion in the vault under the chapel altar, against civil regulations. The prioress insists on obeying the dead nun's wish, and Fauchelevent agrees to assist with the clandestine interment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Sacrifice

Mother Crucifixion's death is portrayed as a holy sacrifice, and her wish to be buried under the altar reflects a life of devotion and suffering for faith.

### Justice vs. Law

The prioress prioritizes divine command and the dead nun's wish over civil laws prohibiting burial in the church, highlighting the conflict between religious and secular justice.

## Character check-ins

### Father Fauchelevent

Agrees to help with the secret burial of Mother Crucifixion, using his strength and tools to open the vault.

### Mother Crucifixion

The deceased nun whose wish to be buried under the altar is being honored by the prioress.

### Mother Ascension

Mentioned as a strong woman who will assist Fauchelevent in lifting the stone slab.

## Key lines

> The dead must be obeyed. To be buried in the vault under the altar of the chapel, not to go to profane earth; to remain there in death where she prayed while living; such was the last wish of Mother Crucifixion.

The prioress insists that Mother Crucifixion's final request to be buried beneath the chapel altar must be honored, keeping her body in sacred ground.

_This underscores the theme of obedience to the dead and the sanctity of religious tradition over civil law._

> Forbidden by men, enjoined by God.

The prioress argues that while human laws forbid the burial, God's command through the nun's wish overrides them.

_Highlights the central conflict between religious duty and secular authority._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-mother-innocente
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters