# Christus Nos Liberavit explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

This chapter reflects on Fantine's descent into prostitution as a form of modern slavery, where society purchases a soul from misery for a morsel of bread. It critiques the illusion that slavery has disappeared, noting it now weighs upon women as prostitution. Fantine is depicted as utterly resigned, having lost everything, yet the chapter hints at a deeper, unseen divine perspective on such fates.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Injustice and Poverty

Fantine's prostitution is depicted as society purchasing a slave from misery, highlighting systemic injustice and the commodification of human souls.

### Suffering and Sacrifice

Fantine has endured everything, lost everything, and is resigned to her fate, embodying profound suffering and sacrifice.

## Character check-ins

### Fantine

Fantine is now a prostitute, reduced to a state of marble-like resignation after suffering all forms of loss and degradation.

## Key lines

> What is this history of Fantine? It is society purchasing a slave. From whom? From misery.

Fantine's story is that of society buying a slave from the forces of misery.

_This metaphor frames Fantine's prostitution as a transaction between society and poverty._

> She has felt everything, borne everything, experienced everything, suffered everything, lost everything, mourned everything.

Fantine has undergone every possible form of pain, loss, and grief.

_Emphasizes the totality of Fantine's suffering and resignation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xi-christus-nos-liberavit
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters