Les Misérables · Chapter
The Substitute explained
M.
What happens
M. Gillenormand's grandnephew, Lieutenant Théodule, visits him in Paris, and Aunt Gillenormand hopes to have Théodule replace Marius in the old man's affections. M. Gillenormand launches into a furious tirade against students, republicans, and the modern age, while Théodule awkwardly agrees with everything he says.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and Social Upheaval
M. Gillenormand's diatribe against student assemblies and republican ideas reflects the generational and political conflict of the era.
The Human Condition and Fate
The old man's fear of change and his clinging to the past illustrate the human struggle against the passage of time and shifting social orders.
Characters to notice
- M. Gillenormand
Delivers a long, angry monologue against students, republicans, and the times, while pacing and gesturing.
- Théodule
Visits M. Gillenormand in civilian clothes, agrees with everything his great-uncle says, and is considered by Aunt Gillenormand as a potential replacement for Marius.
- Mademoiselle Gillenormand
Arranges Théodule's visit and whispers to him to approve of everything M. Gillenormand says.
- Marius Pontmercy
Mentioned as the object of M. Gillenormand's anger; the old man imagines him joining the student assembly on the Place du Panthéon.
Key passages
“There should be no other newspaper than the Moniteur, and no other book than the Annuaire Militaire.”
Théodule asserts that the only legitimate newspaper is the official Moniteur and the only acceptable book is the military annual.
Théodule's sycophantic remark echoes M. Gillenormand's conservative views.
“Take it as a simple erratum, such as one sees in books. For Marius, read Théodule.”
Aunt Gillenormand thinks of Théodule as a replacement for Marius, like a correction in a book.
This metaphor highlights the aunt's scheme to substitute Théodule for Marius in the grandfather's affections.