Les Misérables · Chapter
Two Misfortunes Make One Piece of Good Fortune explained
Jean Valjean, now living with Cosette in a secluded lodging, experiences a profound emotional awakening as he feels love for the first time.
What happens
Jean Valjean, now living with Cosette in a secluded lodging, experiences a profound emotional awakening as he feels love for the first time. Cosette, who had never known affection, reciprocates his care, and together they form a new family. Valjean teaches her to read, lets her play, and speaks of her mother, while Cosette calls him 'father.' Their bond strengthens Valjean's resolve to continue in virtue, despite his past despair and the memory of the Bishop's forgiveness.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Compassion
The mutual love between Jean Valjean and Cosette transforms both their lives, filling a void of loneliness and enabling virtue.
Redemption and Transformation
Valjean's love for Cosette strengthens his moral resolve and prevents him from falling back into despair, continuing his redemption.
Characters to notice
- Jean Valjean
Experiences a new heart full of love for Cosette; becomes her protector and teacher, finding purpose and virtue through their bond.
- Cosette
Emerges from misery and coldness to love Jean Valjean as her father; learns to read, plays, and begins a happy life in mourning for her mother.
Key passages
“Jean Valjean had never loved anything; for twenty-five years he had been alone in the world.”
For a quarter of a century, Valjean had lived without any love or close relationships.
Highlights Valjean's emotional isolation before meeting Cosette.
“The Bishop had caused the dawn of virtue to rise on his horizon; Cosette caused the dawn of love to rise.”
The Bishop first showed Valjean the path to goodness, and Cosette then brought love into his life.
Connects Valjean's moral awakening to his newfound capacity for love.
“He was that child’s stay, and she was his prop.”
Valjean supported Cosette, and she in turn supported him.
Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of their relationship.