# A Bit of History explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

This chapter provides a historical overview of the prevalence of homeless children in Paris during the era of the story, discussing the social conditions that led to child vagabondage, the monarchy's indifference or active exploitation of such children, and the corrupt practices of the police and judiciary under Louis XIV and Louis XV.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Injustice and Poverty

The chapter highlights the systemic abandonment of children and the exploitation of the poor by the monarchy and state institutions.

### The Human Condition and Fate

The discussion of children 'cast on the pavements of Paris' reflects the arbitrary and harsh destinies imposed by society on the vulnerable.

## Key lines

> All crimes of the man begin in the vagabondage of the child.

Every adult criminal starts as a homeless child.

_This statement underscores the chapter's argument about the social roots of crime._

> To breathe Paris preserves the soul.

Living in Paris, despite its hardships, can keep one's moral integrity intact.

_The author offers a paradoxical defense of Parisian street children's resilience._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vi-a-bit-of-history
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters