# Things of the Night explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

After the ruffians depart, the Rue Plumet returns to its tranquil nocturnal state. The narrative reflects on the mysterious and primal forces of the night, where nature and the supernatural intertwine, and brutish instincts are cowed by the spectral and unknown.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Human Condition and Fate

The chapter explores the mysterious and primal forces of the night, reflecting on the unseen and the supernatural that shape human existence.

## Key lines

> After the departure of the ruffians, the Rue Plumet resumed its tranquil, nocturnal aspect.

Once the thugs left, the street returned to its peaceful nighttime state.

_Describes the immediate aftermath of the confrontation._

> That which has just taken place in this street would not have astonished a forest.

What just happened here would not have surprised a forest.

_Compares the street's events to the wild, untamed nature of a forest._

> The forces of the gloom know each other, and are strangely balanced by each other.

The dark forces are familiar with one another and maintain a strange equilibrium.

_Highlights the balance between primal and supernatural elements._

> A black figure barring the way stops the wild beast short.

A dark figure blocking the path halts the wild animal in its tracks.

_Illustrates how the unknown can intimidate even the most brutish instincts._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-things-of-the-night
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters