Les Misérables · Chapter
M. Madeleine in Mourning explained
In early 1820, the death of M.
What happens
In early 1820, the death of M. Myriel, the Bishop of Digne, is announced. M. Madeleine appears in full mourning, leading the townspeople to speculate about a connection between him and the bishop. When asked, Madeleine claims he was a servant in the bishop's household in his youth. His mourning and his kindness to young Savoyard chimney sweeps further elevate his standing in Montreuil-sur-Mer.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Compassion
The narrator reflects on the profound happiness of being loved and cared for, exemplified by the blind bishop's relationship with his sister.
Redemption and Transformation
M. Madeleine's mourning and his claim of having served the bishop hint at his past transformation and ongoing redemption.
Characters to notice
- M. Madeleine
Appears in mourning for the Bishop of Digne, claiming to have been a servant in his youth; his actions raise his social standing.
- Monseigneur Bienvenu
The Bishop of Digne, whose death is announced; he had been blind for many years and was cared for by his sister.
Key passages
“The supreme happiness of life consists in the conviction that one is loved; loved for one’s own sake—let us say rather, loved in spite of one’s self; this conviction the blind man possesses.”
The greatest joy in life is knowing you are loved for who you are, even despite your flaws, and a blind person can have that certainty.
Reflects on the bliss of being loved unconditionally, as experienced by the blind bishop.
“It is because I was a servant in his family in my youth.”
I served in his household when I was young.
M. Madeleine's explanation for wearing mourning for the bishop.