# XII: The Use Made of M. Leblanc’s Five-Franc Piece explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Marius overhears Jondrette (Thénardier) revealing to his wife that the philanthropist who visited them is actually Jean Valjean, and that the young lady with him is Cosette. Thénardier plots to extort money from Valjean that evening, planning an ambush with accomplices. He instructs his wife to prepare a brazier of charcoal and leaves to gather his associates, confident that his fortune is made.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Injustice and Poverty

The Thénardiers' desperate poverty drives their criminal plot, highlighting the brutal conditions that push the poor to extreme measures.

### Justice vs. Law

Thénardier's plan to extort and potentially harm Valjean contrasts with the legal system's failure to address such injustices, as Marius must decide whether to intervene.

## Character check-ins

### Thénardier

Reveals his recognition of Jean Valjean and Cosette, plots an ambush to extort money, and leaves to gather accomplices.

### Madame Thénardier

Expresses shock and rage upon learning that the young lady is Cosette, and is instructed to prepare a brazier of charcoal for the plot.

### Marius Pontmercy

Eavesdrops on the Thénardiers' conversation from his adjacent hiding spot, learning of their plan against Jean Valjean and Cosette.

### Jean Valjean

Referred to as M. Leblanc, the philanthropist; Thénardier recognizes him and plans to ambush him that evening.

### Cosette

Identified by Thénardier as the young lady accompanying M. Leblanc, triggering Madame Thénardier's fury.

## Key lines

> My fortune is made.

Thénardier declares that his financial troubles are over because he has recognized the philanthropist as Jean Valjean and plans to exploit him.

_Thénardier's confidence in his scheme reveals his greed and desperation._

> I want to eat till I am full, I want to drink my fill! to gormandize! to sleep! to do nothing! I want to have my turn, so I do, come now! before I die! I want to be a bit of a millionaire!

Thénardier expresses his intense desire to escape poverty and enjoy a life of luxury, justifying his criminal intentions.

_This outburst underscores the theme of social injustice and the lengths to which poverty drives people._

## Links

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