# The Remarks of the Principal Tenant explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Jean Valjean lives quietly with Cosette, going out only at dusk and avoiding attention. He is known in the neighborhood as a beggar who gives alms, but the principal tenant, a nosy old woman, becomes suspicious after seeing him retrieve a thousand-franc note from his coat lining. She later examines his coat and finds evidence of hidden money and wigs, fueling her suspicions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Sacrifice

Jean Valjean lives in modest circumstances and secretly gives alms, sacrificing his own comfort for others.

### The Human Condition and Fate

The constant vigilance and secrecy required for Valjean's survival illustrate the precariousness of life for those with a hidden past.

## Character check-ins

### Jean Valjean

Lives cautiously with Cosette, goes out only at dusk, gives alms secretly, and hides money in his coat lining.

### Cosette

Enjoys walking with Jean Valjean and is described as a very gay little person; she knows nothing of her past except that she came from Montfermeil.

### Thénardier

Referenced indirectly through Cosette's mention of Montfermeil, where she was mistreated.

## Key lines

> He held her hand as they walked, and said sweet things to her. It turned out that Cosette was a very gay little person.

He held her hand while they walked and spoke kindly to her, revealing that Cosette was a cheerful child.

_Shows the tender relationship between Valjean and Cosette._

> He began to be known in the neighborhood under the name of 'the beggar who gives alms.'

He became known locally as the beggar who gives money to others.

_Highlights Valjean's secret charity and the irony of his reputation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-the-remarks-of-the-principal-tenant
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters