# III: They Recall the Garden of the Rue Plumet explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Jean Valjean's visits to Cosette and Marius become increasingly strained as Marius subtly distances him. The chapter depicts Valjean's gradual exclusion from their lives, culminating in his realization that he is being pushed away. Cosette, absorbed in her happiness with Marius, remains oblivious to Valjean's suffering.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Sacrifice

Jean Valjean silently endures his gradual exclusion from Cosette's life, sacrificing his own happiness for hers.

### Love and Compassion

Valjean's love for Cosette is shown through his self-effacing visits and his eventual withdrawal to avoid causing her discomfort.

## Character check-ins

### Jean Valjean

Experiences a painful, gradual exclusion from Cosette's life; notices the removal of chairs and lack of fire, and ultimately stops visiting.

### Cosette

Oblivious to Valjean's distress; absorbed in her happiness with Marius and their visit to the Rue Plumet garden.

### Marius Pontmercy

Subtly orchestrates Valjean's exclusion; questions the source of their wealth and suggests living on less.

### M. Gillenormand

Mentioned as sending reminders for dinner, indicating the household's routine.

### Basque

Servant who announces dinner and reports to Valjean about Cosette's absence.

### Nicolette

Sent by Cosette to check on Valjean; delivers his evasive reply.

## Key lines

> Was Jean Valjean really a chrysalis who would persist, and who would come to visit his butterfly?

Marius wonders if Valjean is like a cocoon that clings to the butterfly it once protected, unable to let go.

_Reflects Marius's view of Valjean as an outdated presence in their new life._

> The eye eventually becomes accustomed to the light of a cellar.

One can grow used to even the dimmest, most confined existence.

_Metaphor for Valjean's acceptance of his reduced role in Cosette's life._

> When it is the heart which is slipping, one does not halt on the downward slope.

Once emotional distance begins, it accelerates uncontrollably.

_Describes the inevitable progression of Valjean's estrangement._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-they-recall-the-garden-of-the-rue-plumet
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters