# Hindrances explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Jean Valjean, traveling urgently towards Arras to prevent an innocent man from being mistaken for him, faces a series of obstacles that delay his journey. His hired tilbury suffers a broken wheel, forcing him to find alternative transport. Despite his haste, he encounters further delays, including a poor road and a heavy cart, while grappling with his inner turmoil and the moral weight of his mission.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Human Condition and Fate

Valjean's journey is marked by a series of seemingly random obstacles, reflecting the struggle between human will and the forces of fate.

## Character check-ins

### Jean Valjean

Travels urgently towards Arras, facing physical and psychological hindrances; reflects on fate and his own choices.

## Key lines

> In proportion as the cabriolet advanced, he felt something within him draw back.

As the carriage moved forward, he felt an inner resistance pulling him backward.

_Valjean's internal conflict about his mission to Arras._

> These things are charming when one is joyous, and lugubrious when one is sad.

The same sounds are delightful in happiness and mournful in sorrow.

_Reflects Valjean's somber mood affecting his perception._

> To travel is to be born and to die at every instant.

Each moment of travel is like experiencing birth and death simultaneously.

_Philosophical reflection on the transient nature of life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-hindrances
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters