Les Misérables · Chapter
Distractions explained
This chapter describes the daily life and minor distractions within the convent of Petit-Picpus, including the strict rules, the children's secret indulgences, and the mysterious figure of Madame Albertine, a mad woman who briefly breaks he
What happens
This chapter describes the daily life and minor distractions within the convent of Petit-Picpus, including the strict rules, the children's secret indulgences, and the mysterious figure of Madame Albertine, a mad woman who briefly breaks her silence during a sermon by M. de Rohan.
Themes in this chapter
The Human Condition and Fate
The chapter explores the confined lives of the convent's pupils and the mysterious fate of Madame Albertine, who is considered dead to the world.
Suffering and Sacrifice
The harsh discipline and meager fare of the convent reflect the theme of suffering and sacrifice in religious life.
Characters to notice
- Mademoiselle Bouchard
A pupil who boldly asks the archbishop for a day's leave of absence, winning a wager and causing a scandal.
- Madame Albertine
A mysterious, mad woman in the convent, treated with respect, who briefly speaks during a sermon by M. de Rohan.
- Mademoiselle Gillenormand
Mentioned as one of the severe duchesses who visit the convent, causing fear among the pupils.
Key passages
“One hides one’s pear or one’s apple as best one may. When one goes upstairs to put the veil on the bed before supper, one stuffs them under one’s pillow and at night one eats them in bed, and when one cannot do that, one eats them in the closet.”
The pupils secretly hide fruit under their pillows to eat at night or in the closet.
Illustrates the small rebellions and luxuries of the convent children.
“Ah! Auguste!”
Madame Albertine exclaims the first name of M. de Rohan during his sermon.
A rare moment of life and connection from the otherwise silent and immobile mad woman.