# V: A Night Behind Which There Is Day explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Cosette and Marius visit Jean Valjean, who is dying. They express their love and gratitude, and Jean Valjean dies peacefully, blessing them.

## Themes in this chapter

### Redemption and Transformation

Jean Valjean's final moments are marked by forgiveness and acceptance, completing his transformation from convict to saintly figure.

### Love and Compassion

The chapter is filled with expressions of love and compassion between Jean Valjean, Cosette, and Marius.

### Suffering and Sacrifice

Jean Valjean's life of sacrifice is acknowledged by Marius, and his peaceful death reflects the end of his suffering.

## Character check-ins

### Jean Valjean

Dying, he is visited by Cosette and Marius, expresses his love, and dies blessing them.

### Cosette

Rushes to Jean Valjean, embraces him, and expresses her love and desire for him to live with them.

### Marius Pontmercy

Expresses deep gratitude and veneration for Jean Valjean, acknowledging his sacrifices.

## Key lines

> Cosette, that man is an angel!

Cosette, that man is a saint.

_Marius expresses his veneration for Jean Valjean._

> I die happy. Give me your dear and well-beloved heads, so that I may lay my hands upon them.

I am content to die. Let me place my hands on your beloved heads.

_Jean Valjean's final blessing to Cosette and Marius._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-a-night-behind-which-there-is-day
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters