# Marble Against Granite explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Marius returns from Vernon to find that his grandfather, M. Gillenormand, has discovered the black ribbon and case containing his father's testament. A violent argument erupts when Gillenormand insults Marius's father and the Republic, leading Marius to shout a curse against the Bourbons. Gillenormand orders Marius to leave the house, and Marius departs in indignation, believing his grandfather has destroyed his father's written legacy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice vs. Law

Marius defends his father's honor and the legitimacy of his title against the legal and social rejection by the Restoration.

### The Human Condition and Fate

The generational conflict and the tragic consequences of political and familial loyalty.

### Suffering and Sacrifice

Marius's father is described as having suffered and sacrificed for his country, only to be forgotten and insulted.

## Character check-ins

### Marius Pontmercy

Returns from Vernon, confronts his grandfather over his father's honor, and is expelled from the house.

### M. Gillenormand

Discovers Marius's father's testament and cards, insults the Republic and Marius's father, and orders Marius to leave.

### Mademoiselle Gillenormand

Present during the confrontation, she reads the testament and later receives instructions to send money to Marius.

### Théodule

Mentioned as having encountered Marius at the cemetery in Vernon and retreated in respect.

### Georges Pontmercy

Marius's deceased father; his testament and honor are the central point of the argument.

### Nicolette

Servant who retrieves Marius's belongings and inadvertently loses the medallion containing the colonel's paper.

## Key lines

> It was hither that Marius had come on the first occasion of his absenting himself from Paris. It was hither that he had come every time that M. Gillenormand had said: 'He is sleeping out.'

Marius had been secretly visiting his father's grave at Vernon whenever his grandfather thought he was staying out all night.

_Reveals Marius's secret pilgrimages to his father's tomb._

> For my son. — The Emperor made me a Baron on the battlefield of Waterloo. Since the Restoration disputes my right to this title which I purchased with my blood, my son shall take it and bear it. That he will be worthy of it is a matter of course.

The colonel's testament declares that Napoleon granted him the title of Baron at Waterloo, and despite the Restoration's denial, his son must claim it.

_The core of the conflict: the legitimacy of Marius's title and his father's legacy._

> Down with the Bourbons, and that great hog of a Louis XVIII !

Marius shouts a curse against the Bourbon monarchy and the late king.

_Marius's explosive response to his grandfather's insults, leading to his expulsion._

> Be off!

Gillenormand orders Marius to leave the house immediately.

_The final break between grandfather and grandson._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/viii-marble-against-granite
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters