Les Misérables · Chapter
Marius Becomes Practical Once More to the Extent of Giving Cosette His Address explained
Marius and Cosette meet in the garden, but their joy is shattered when Cosette reveals that her father plans to take her to England within a week.
What happens
Marius and Cosette meet in the garden, but their joy is shattered when Cosette reveals that her father plans to take her to England within a week. Marius, realizing his poverty and lack of means, despairs but resolves to take action. He gives Cosette his address and asks her to wait two days, hinting at a desperate plan to prevent their separation.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Compassion
The chapter is dominated by the deep, passionate love between Marius and Cosette, which is threatened by external circumstances.
Suffering and Sacrifice
Both characters suffer emotionally from the prospect of separation, and Marius contemplates a desperate sacrifice to keep Cosette.
Characters to notice
- Marius Pontmercy
Marius is deeply in love with Cosette and is devastated by the news of her impending departure. He becomes practical, giving Cosette his address and planning to take desperate action.
- Cosette
Cosette is sad and tearful, having been told by her father that they must leave for England. She clings to Marius and agrees to wait for him.
- Courfeyrac
Marius mentions Courfeyrac as his friend with whom he lives, and to whom he owes money.
- Éponine
Éponine is briefly mentioned as following the ruffians to the boulevard at the moment Marius leaves the garden.
Key passages
“Marius possessed Cosette, as spirits possess, but he enveloped her with all his soul, and seized her jealously with incredible conviction.”
Marius felt he owned Cosette completely, body and soul, with an intense and jealous devotion.
Describes the depth of Marius's emotional and spiritual possession of Cosette.
“I give you my most sacred word of honor, that if you go away I shall die.”
Marius swears on his honor that he would die if Cosette leaves.
Marius makes a dramatic vow to Cosette, emphasizing his desperation.
“He wrote on the plaster of the wall: 16 Rue de la Verrerie.”
Marius carves his address into the wall with his penknife.
Marius leaves his address for Cosette as a practical measure in case of emergency.