# Strategy and Tactics explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Marius observes from his hiding place as the Thénardier family prepares for the arrival of a wealthy philanthropist. The eldest daughter announces the man is coming, and her father orchestrates a deceptive scene of extreme poverty, breaking a chair, extinguishing the fire, and forcing his younger daughter to break a window to create a pitiful tableau.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Injustice and Poverty

The Thénardiers' elaborate deception highlights the desperate measures poverty forces upon families.

## Character check-ins

### Thénardier

Orchestrates the deception, breaking furniture and extinguishing the fire to feign destitution.

### Madame Thénardier

Obeys her husband's orders reluctantly, showing concern for her daughter's injury.

### Éponine

The eldest daughter who brings news of the philanthropist's arrival and refuses to wear wet shoes.

### Azelma

The younger daughter forced to break a window, cutting her hand in the process.

### Marius Pontmercy

Observes the Thénardiers' preparations from his improvised hiding spot.

## Key lines

> He is coming!

The philanthropist is on his way.

_Éponine announces the arrival of their wealthy target._

> Extinguish the fire.

Put out the fire to make the room appear colder and more miserable.

_Thénardier orders the fire extinguished to enhance the illusion of poverty._

> Break a pane of glass!

Shatter a window to let in the cold air.

_Thénardier commands his younger daughter to break a window for dramatic effect._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vii-strategy-and-tactics
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters