Les Misérables · Chapter
Volume I: Fantine explained
This volume introduces the saintly Bishop Myriel, whose act of mercy towards the ex-convict Jean Valjean sets the stage for Valjean's transformation.
What happens
This volume introduces the saintly Bishop Myriel, whose act of mercy towards the ex-convict Jean Valjean sets the stage for Valjean's transformation. The narrative then shifts to Fantine, a young woman abandoned by her lover, who descends into poverty and desperation to provide for her daughter Cosette, ultimately leading to her tragic downfall and encounter with the now-reformed Mayor Madeleine (Valjean).
Themes in this chapter
Mercy and Forgiveness
The Bishop's decision to forgive Valjean's theft and gift him the silver candlesticks exemplifies radical mercy, setting Valjean on a path of redemption.
Social Injustice and Poverty
Fantine's tragic fall from a working woman to a prostitute illustrates the brutal economic forces and social prejudices that crush the poor, especially women.
Characters to notice
- Monseigneur Bienvenu
The benevolent Bishop of Digne who shows compassion to Jean Valjean, offering him shelter and forgiveness after Valjean steals his silver.
- Jean Valjean
An ex-convict hardened by years of imprisonment; after being shown mercy by the Bishop, he resolves to change his life and later becomes the respected Mayor Madeleine.
- Fantine
A beautiful young woman abandoned by her lover Tholomyès; she leaves her daughter Cosette with the Thénardiers and descends into poverty and prostitution to pay for her child's keep.
- Cosette
Fantine's young daughter, left in the cruel care of the Thénardiers, who exploit her for labor and extort money from her mother.
- Thénardier
The innkeeper who takes in Cosette and, along with his wife, mistreats her while demanding ever-increasing payments from Fantine.
Key passages
“He slept, but the Bishop watched. The Bishop thought of the man who had been a convict, and of the man who was to become a saint.”
While Valjean slept, the Bishop reflected on the potential for redemption in the former convict.
Highlights the Bishop's hopeful perspective on Valjean's transformation.
“She had loved, and she was a mother; but she had been abandoned, and she was poor.”
Fantine loved and became a mother, but after being deserted by her lover, she was left in poverty.
Summarizes Fantine's vulnerable position and the social consequences of her love.
“The Thénardiers were a married couple, both of whom were avaricious and savage, and both of whom were capable of anything.”
The Thénardiers were a greedy and cruel couple, willing to do anything for money.
Establishes the Thénardiers' exploitative nature towards Cosette.