Les Misérables · Chapter
Some Silhouettes of This Darkness explained
This chapter describes the internal structure and daily life of the Petit-Picpus convent between 1819 and 1825, focusing on the prioress Mademoiselle de Blemeur (Mother Innocente) and the various nuns, their roles, and the strict rules of s
What happens
This chapter describes the internal structure and daily life of the Petit-Picpus convent between 1819 and 1825, focusing on the prioress Mademoiselle de Blemeur (Mother Innocente) and the various nuns, their roles, and the strict rules of silence and communication via bells. It also mentions the schoolgirls and the few men permitted to enter the convent.
Themes in this chapter
The Human Condition and Fate
The rigid structure and silence of convent life reflect the constraints and predetermined roles imposed on individuals.
Suffering and Sacrifice
The nuns' severe self-discipline and the rule of silence illustrate themes of sacrifice and endurance.
Characters to notice
- Mother Crucifixion
Mademoiselle de Blemeur, prioress of Petit-Picpus, known as Mother Innocente, described as learned and merry.
- Sister Euphrasie
One of the lay-sisters loved by the scholars.
- Marguerite
Mademoiselle de Blemeur, author of Lives of the Saints of the Order of Saint-Benoît, and prioress.
Key passages
“During the six years which separate 1819 from 1825, the prioress of the Petit-Picpus was Mademoiselle de Blemeur, whose name, in religion, was Mother Innocente.”
From 1819 to 1825, the head of the Petit-Picpus convent was Mademoiselle de Blemeur, known in religious life as Mother Innocente.
Establishes the time frame and leadership of the convent.
“This rule of silence had had this effect, that throughout the whole convent, speech had been withdrawn from human creatures, and bestowed on inanimate objects.”
Because of the rule of silence, communication was transferred from people to objects like bells.
Highlights the unique communication system in the convent.