# Fauchelevent Becomes a Gardener in Paris explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

After Fauchelevent's accident, M. Madeleine provides for his recovery and arranges a gardener position for him at a Paris convent. Madeleine becomes mayor, causing Javert to feel suspicion. The prosperity of Montreuil-sur-Mer under Madeleine's leadership is evidenced by reduced tax collection costs. Fantine returns to the town and finds work in Madeleine's factory.

## Themes in this chapter

### Redemption and Transformation

Jean Valjean's transformation into Mayor Madeleine enables him to create prosperity and provide for others, reflecting his ongoing redemption.

### Social Injustice and Poverty

Fantine's return and struggle to earn a living highlight the precariousness of poverty, even as Madeleine's factory offers a lifeline.

## Character check-ins

### Father Fauchelevent

Dislocates his kneepan in a fall, is cared for in Madeleine's infirmary, receives compensation, and is placed as a gardener in a Paris convent.

### Jean Valjean

As M. Madeleine, he rescues Fauchelevent, provides for his recovery, arranges his new job, and is later appointed mayor, transforming the town's economy.

### Javert

Feels a shudder of suspicion upon seeing Madeleine in the mayor's scarf and avoids him when possible.

### Fantine

Returns to Montreuil-sur-Mer, finds work in Madeleine's factory, and earns enough to support herself despite being unskilled.

## Key lines

> I purchase your horse and cart.

Madeleine buys Fauchelevent's broken cart and dead horse for a thousand francs.

_Demonstrates Valjean's generosity and sense of responsibility after Fauchelevent's accident._

> he felt the sort of shudder which a watchdog might experience on smelling a wolf in his master’s clothes.

Javert senses something dangerous and familiar in Madeleine's new authority.

_Highlights Javert's instinctual suspicion of Valjean despite his changed identity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vii-fauchelevent-becomes-a-gardener-in-paris
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