# Some Silhouettes of This Darkness explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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 This rule of silence had had this effect, that throughout the whole convent, speech had been withdrawn from human creatures, and bestowed on inanimate objects.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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vii-some-silhouettes-of-this-darkness
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters