Les Misérables · Chapter
V: The Utility of Going to Mass, in Order to Become a Revolutionist explained
Marius, while attending mass at Saint-Sulpice, inadvertently takes the seat of an old warden.
What happens
Marius, while attending mass at Saint-Sulpice, inadvertently takes the seat of an old warden. The warden explains that he sits there to watch a father who secretly came every few months to see his son during mass, because family politics forbade contact. The father, a former colonel of Bonaparte named Pontmercy, is revealed to be Marius's own father. Marius, deeply moved, learns of his father's love and sacrifice, and later asks his grandfather for permission to go on a three-day trip.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Compassion
The father's secret, selfless love for his son, watching him from afar to ensure his future happiness, exemplifies deep paternal love and sacrifice.
Suffering and Sacrifice
Colonel Pontmercy's sacrifice of his own relationship with his son to secure the child's inheritance and social standing highlights the theme of suffering for a loved one's benefit.
Characters to notice
- Marius Pontmercy
Marius attends mass at Saint-Sulpice and learns the story of his father's secret visits, discovering his father's love and sacrifice.
- M. Mabeuf
The old warden who explains the significance of the chair and reveals the story of Colonel Pontmercy to Marius.
- Georges Pontmercy
Marius's father, a former colonel of Bonaparte, who secretly watched his son during mass for years, sacrificing his own presence for his son's future.
- M. Gillenormand
Marius's grandfather, who grants permission for a three-day absence, suspecting a love affair.
Key passages
“He sacrificed himself in order that his son might be rich and happy some day. He was separated from him because of political opinions.”
The father gave up his own happiness and contact with his son so that the boy could inherit wealth and a good future, all because of their differing political views.
The warden explains the colonel's self-sacrifice for his son's sake.
“Mon Dieu! a man is not a monster because he was at Waterloo; a father is not separated from his child for such a reason as that.”
Good heavens! Fighting at Waterloo doesn't make someone a monster, and a father shouldn't be kept from his child just because of that.
The warden criticizes the harsh judgment against Bonapartist veterans.