# VII: Continuation of the Enigma explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

In the early morning hours, Jean Valjean and Cosette take shelter in a ruinous shed. Cosette is cold and frightened, asking if Madame Thénardier is still there. Valjean reassures her and goes to find better shelter. He discovers a large hall with a mysterious, motionless form lying on the floor, bound with a rope, which terrifies him. He flees back to the shed, shaken by the experience, and finds Cosette asleep.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Sacrifice

Cosette's physical cold and emotional fear, along with Valjean's protective efforts, highlight the theme of suffering and sacrifice.

### The Human Condition and Fate

The eerie, mysterious scene in the building and Valjean's terror reflect the uncertainty and darkness of the human condition.

## Character check-ins

### Jean Valjean

Tries to comfort Cosette, explores the building, and is deeply disturbed by the sight of a mysterious figure.

### Cosette

Cold and frightened, asks about Madame Thénardier, eventually falls asleep.

### Madame Thénardier

Mentioned by Cosette as a source of fear, but Valjean says she is gone.

## Key lines

> The night wind had risen, which indicated that it must be between one and two o’clock in the morning.

The rising wind suggested it was around one or two in the morning.

_Sets the time and atmosphere for the chapter._

> He had the courage to plaster his face to the glass, and to watch whether the thing would move.

He pressed his face against the window to see if the form would stir.

_Highlights Valjean's determination and growing fear._

> It seemed to him, that if he turned his head, he should see that form following him with great strides and waving its arms.

He felt that if he looked back, the figure would be chasing him, arms waving.

_Illustrates Valjean's intense terror and the psychological impact of the vision._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vii-continuation-of-the-enigma
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters