# Champmathieu More and More Astonished explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

In a dramatic courtroom scene, Jean Valjean reveals his true identity to save the innocent Champmathieu from being wrongly convicted. He confesses to being a former convict, recounts his thefts from the Bishop and Little Gervais, and describes how the galleys corrupted him while kindness later redeemed him. The court is stunned, and Champmathieu is acquitted.

## Themes in this chapter

### Redemption and Transformation

Valjean's confession and self-sacrifice demonstrate his moral transformation from convict to a man of conscience.

### Justice vs. Law

Valjean chooses to reveal his identity to prevent a legal injustice, prioritizing moral justice over his own freedom.

### Suffering and Sacrifice

Valjean sacrifices his position and freedom to save Champmathieu, bearing the weight of his past crimes.

### Mercy and Forgiveness

Valjean references the Bishop's forgiveness as the turning point that saved him from a life of bitterness.

## Character check-ins

### Jean Valjean

Reveals himself as the true convict, confessing his past crimes and explaining his transformation through mercy.

### Champmathieu

The wrongly accused man who is freed after Valjean's confession, left stupefied by the events.

### Brevet

One of the convict witnesses; Valjean identifies him by his knitted suspenders.

### Chenildieu

Convict witness; Valjean identifies him by a burn scar on his shoulder.

### Cochepaille

Convict witness; Valjean identifies him by a tattooed date on his arm.

### Javert

Mentioned by Valjean as someone who would recognize him, though not present in the scene.

## Key lines

> I am Jean Valjean.

He declares his true identity as the convict Jean Valjean.

_The pivotal moment of revelation in the courtroom._

> I robbed Monseigneur the Bishop, it is true; it is true that I robbed Little Gervais.

He confesses to stealing from the Bishop and from the child Little Gervais.

_Valjean acknowledges his past crimes openly._

> Later on, indulgence and kindness saved me, as severity had ruined me.

He explains that mercy redeemed him, while harsh punishment had corrupted him.

_Key theme of redemption through kindness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xi-champmathieu-more-and-more-astonished
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters