Les Misérables · Chapter
The Inseparable explained
Jean Valjean quietly leaves the wedding banquet and returns to his empty apartment, where he reflects on the past by laying out the childhood clothes Cosette wore when he first rescued her.
What happens
Jean Valjean quietly leaves the wedding banquet and returns to his empty apartment, where he reflects on the past by laying out the childhood clothes Cosette wore when he first rescued her. Overcome with emotion, he breaks down sobbing over her garments.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Sacrifice
Jean Valjean's quiet departure and solitary grief embody his sacrificial love, giving up his place in Cosette's life for her happiness.
Love and Compassion
Valjean's tender recollection of rescuing Cosette and his emotional breakdown over her childhood clothes highlight his deep, selfless love.
Characters to notice
- Jean Valjean
Leaves the wedding feast unnoticed, returns to his deserted lodgings, and mourns over Cosette's childhood clothes.
- Cosette
Her joyful voice is heard from the banquet; her childhood garments are the focus of Valjean's grief.
- Marius Pontmercy
Mentioned as having been laid on the sofa in the antechamber eight months earlier.
- M. Gillenormand
His loud, commanding tones are heard from the banquet.
- Basque
Seen arranging roses and dressed in formal attire at the wedding.
Key passages
“He quitted the Rue des Filles-du-Calvaire, and returned to the Rue de l'Homme Armé.”
He left the wedding party and went back to his own empty apartment.
Valjean's departure from the celebration to his solitary home.
“From it he slowly drew forth the garments in which, ten years before, Cosette had quitted Montfermeil; first the little gown, then the black fichu, then the stout, coarse child's shoes...”
He took out the clothes Cosette wore when he first took her away from the Thénardiers ten years ago.
Valjean retrieves the keepsakes of Cosette's childhood.
“Then his venerable, white head fell forward on the bed, that stoical old heart broke, his face was engulfed, so to speak, in Cosette's garments, and if anyone had passed up the stairs at that moment, he would have heard frightful sobs.”
He collapsed onto the bed, burying his face in her clothes, and wept uncontrollably.
Valjean's overwhelming grief and emotional release.