Les Misérables · Chapter
Madame Victurnien's Success explained
Fantine, having been dismissed from the factory due to Madame Victurnien's interference, struggles to survive in poverty.
What happens
Fantine, having been dismissed from the factory due to Madame Victurnien's interference, struggles to survive in poverty. She sells her furniture, takes on low-paying sewing work, and learns to live on almost nothing. She dreams of bringing her daughter Cosette to her but cannot afford the journey or pay her debts to the Thénardiers. Gradually, she becomes hardened to public scorn and shame, while Madame Victurnien watches her decline with self-satisfaction.
Themes in this chapter
Social Injustice and Poverty
Fantine's descent into destitution highlights the systemic injustice faced by poor women, who are judged and cast out by society while struggling to survive.
Suffering and Sacrifice
Fantine endures physical hardship, hunger, and social shame, sacrificing her own well-being for the sake of her daughter.
Characters to notice
- Fantine
Fantine is dismissed from the factory and descends into extreme poverty, working for twelve sous a day and struggling to support herself and her daughter.
- M. Madeleine
M. Madeleine is unaware of the events leading to Fantine's dismissal, having delegated authority to the superintendent.
- Madame Victurnien
Madame Victurnien instigates Fantine's dismissal and takes satisfaction in seeing her reduced to destitution.
- Marguerite
Marguerite is a pious, charitable spinster who teaches Fantine how to survive in extreme poverty.
Key passages
“She began to make coarse shirts for soldiers of the garrison, and earned twelve sous a day. Her daughter cost her ten.”
Fantine took up sewing rough shirts for soldiers, earning just twelve sous daily, while her daughter's expenses consumed ten of those.
Illustrates the meager earnings and the crushing burden of supporting Cosette.
“No one knows all that certain feeble creatures, who have grown old in privation and honesty, can get out of a sou.”
Few understand how much those who have endured long poverty and maintained their integrity can stretch a single coin.
Highlights the resourcefulness and resilience of the poor.
“The happiness of the evil-minded is black.”
The joy felt by malicious people is dark and corrupt.
Reflects on Madame Victurnien's cruel satisfaction in Fantine's downfall.