# Marius' Two Chairs Form a Vis-a-Vis explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

In the Gorbeau hovel, Jondrette anxiously awaits the arrival of M. Leblanc, who comes bearing money for rent and necessities. As the clock strikes six, Jondrette snuffs the candle and paces, then welcomes Leblanc with feigned gratitude. The scene is set in a cold, snowy night, with Marius hidden behind a partition, pistol in hand, observing the encounter and hoping to uncover truths about Leblanc and Jondrette's schemes.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Injustice and Poverty

The Gorbeau hovel's squalor, the snow-covered solitude, and Jondrette's desperate scheming highlight the depths of poverty and social decay.

### Justice vs. Law

Marius, armed and hidden, represents a personal quest for justice outside the law, while the police wait in ambush, embodying the tension between moral and legal order.

## Character check-ins

### Thénardier

Pacing nervously, snuffing the candle, and greeting M. Leblanc with false deference as 'Monsieur Fabantou'.

### Madame Thénardier

Opens the door with a grimace, dismisses the carriage, and whispers to her husband.

### Jean Valjean

Appears as M. Leblanc, serene and venerable, offering four louis for rent and necessities.

### Marius Pontmercy

Hidden behind the partition, observing the scene with a pistol, feeling horror but no fear, hoping to learn the truth.

## Key lines

> Suddenly, the distant and melancholy vibration of a clock shook the panes. Six o’clock was striking from Saint-Médard.

The clock from Saint-Médard tolled six, its mournful sound echoing through the room.

_Sets the time and mood for the impending confrontation._

> M. Leblanc made his appearance. He wore an air of serenity which rendered him singularly venerable. He laid four louis on the table.

M. Leblanc entered calmly, looking dignified, and placed four gold coins on the table.

_Highlights Valjean's composure and generosity despite the dangerous setting._

> Marius experienced only an emotion of horror, but no fear. He clasped the stock of the pistol firmly and felt reassured.

Marius felt horrified but not afraid, gripping his pistol for confidence.

_Reveals Marius's resolve and his readiness to intervene._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xviii-marius-two-chairs-form-a-vis-a-vis
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters