Les Misérables · Chapter
While Cosette and Toussaint Are Asleep explained
Jean Valjean returns home with Marius's letter to Cosette, reads it, and learns that Marius intends to die at the barricade.
What happens
Jean Valjean returns home with Marius's letter to Cosette, reads it, and learns that Marius intends to die at the barricade. Overcome with a mix of joy and gloom, he decides to let fate take its course, then disguises himself as a National Guard and arms himself before heading toward the markets.
Themes in this chapter
Redemption and Transformation
Jean Valjean's internal struggle and his decision to intervene despite his initial joy at Marius's potential death reflect his ongoing transformation.
Suffering and Sacrifice
Marius's letter expresses his willingness to sacrifice his life at the barricade, a central act of suffering and sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Jean Valjean
Reads Marius's letter, experiences a surge of joy at the prospect of Marius's death, then becomes gloomy; decides to keep the letter and let events unfold, then arms himself as a National Guard.
- Cosette
Asleep during the chapter; the letter is addressed to her, but she does not read it.
- Marius Pontmercy
The author of the letter; his note declares his intention to die, which Jean Valjean reads.
- Toussaint
Asleep; mentioned as being presumably asleep along with Cosette.
Key passages
“I die. When thou readest this, my soul will be near thee.”
Marius writes that he will be dead by the time Cosette reads his letter, and his spirit will be with her.
This is the key line from Marius's note that Jean Valjean reads, triggering his emotional response.
“He uttered a frightful cry of inward joy.”
Jean Valjean felt a terrible, silent joy upon realizing Marius might die.
Highlights Jean Valjean's initial reaction to the letter, seeing Marius's death as a solution to his rival.