# X: Dawn explained — Les Misérables > Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. ## What happens Cosette awakens in her chamber, unaware of the turmoil in Paris. She feels hopeful about seeing Marius again, though she has not seen him for three days. She dresses hastily, looks out the window, and weeps briefly before regaining hope. She observes a martin's nest, reflecting on love and family. ## Themes in this chapter ### Love and Compassion Cosette's deep love for Marius and her hopeful anticipation of his return. ### The Human Condition and Fate Cosette's oscillation between hope and despair, and her reliance on fate for Marius's return. ## Character check-ins ### Cosette Awakens hopeful, thinks of Marius, observes the martin's nest. ### Jean Valjean Mentioned as her father, believed to be asleep. ### Marius Pontmercy Appears in Cosette's dreams and thoughts; she awaits his arrival. ### Toussaint Mentioned as having spoken about a disturbance; not yet risen. ## Key lines > Cosette knew nothing of what was going on in Paris. She had not been there on the preceding evening, and she had already retired to her chamber when Toussaint had said: “It appears that there is a row.” Cosette was unaware of the Paris uprising, having gone to bed before Toussaint mentioned the disturbance. _Highlights Cosette's isolation from the revolutionary events._ > She told herself that she was not sure of anything, that to withdraw herself from sight was to be lost; and the idea that Marius could return to her from heaven appeared to her no longer charming but mournful. Cosette felt uncertain and feared that being hidden meant losing Marius, making the thought of his return from heaven seem sad rather than joyful. _Illustrates Cosette's emotional turmoil and fear of separation._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/x-dawn - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters