Les Misérables · Chapter
VII: The Old Heart and the Young Heart in the Presence of Each Other explained
In this chapter, the elderly M.
What happens
In this chapter, the elderly M. Gillenormand, now past ninety-one, is deeply dejected and longing for his grandson Marius, whom he has not seen in four years. Despite his pride and harsh exterior, he secretly loves Marius and fears never seeing him again. When Marius finally visits to ask permission to marry Mademoiselle Fauchelevent, a poor girl with no dowry, Gillenormand's anger and sarcasm drive Marius away. After Marius leaves, the old man collapses in despair, realizing he may have lost his grandson forever.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Compassion
Gillenormand's hidden, profound love for Marius is evident despite his harsh words, and his despair at losing him reveals deep familial compassion.
The Human Condition and Fate
The chapter explores the inevitability of aging, the pain of estrangement, and the tragic consequences of pride and misunderstanding.
Suffering and Sacrifice
Both Gillenormand and Marius suffer from their separation; Marius sacrifices his inheritance for love, while Gillenormand endures the agony of potential permanent loss.
Characters to notice
- M. Gillenormand
A ninety-one-year-old man, deeply dejected and longing for his grandson Marius, though he hides his love behind anger and pride.
- Marius Pontmercy
Visits his grandfather after four years to ask permission to marry Mademoiselle Fauchelevent, but is driven away by Gillenormand's harsh words.
- Mademoiselle Gillenormand
Gillenormand's daughter, who observes the tense reunion and is briefly called in by her father.
- Théodule
Mentioned as the failed substitute for Marius in Gillenormand's affections; a lancer who did not succeed in pleasing the old man.
- Georges Pontmercy
Marius's deceased father, whose portrait hangs in Gillenormand's room and is a source of reflection.
- Basque
The servant who opens the door and is called by Gillenormand during the confrontation.
- Nicolette
A domestic who helps support Gillenormand when he leans out the window calling for Marius.
Key passages
“Absence, as is always the case in genuine and natural sentiments, had only served to augment the grandfather’s love for the ungrateful child, who had gone off like a flash.”
The grandfather's love for Marius grew stronger during their separation, as often happens with true feelings.
Reflects the theme of love and compassion despite estrangement.
“He would have liked to have Marius understand, and Marius did not understand, which made the goodman furious.”
Gillenormand wanted Marius to see his hidden affection, but Marius missed the signs, angering the old man.
Highlights the tragic miscommunication between grandfather and grandson.
“The octogenarian raised his hands to his temples two or three times with an expression of anguish, recoiled tottering, and fell back into an armchair, pulseless, voiceless, tearless...”
The old man, in agony, stumbled and collapsed into his chair, overwhelmed by despair.
Illustrates the profound emotional impact of Marius's departure.