# The Trap explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Marius, hidden in the Gorbeau house, witnesses Thénardier's ambush of M. Leblanc (Jean Valjean). Thénardier demands a ransom and reveals his role at Waterloo, showing a painting of him rescuing Colonel Pontmercy. Marius is torn between exposing Thénardier and protecting the girl he loves. Valjean, bound, manages to cut his bonds and brandishes a red-hot chisel, but is overpowered by the ruffians.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice vs. Law

Marius struggles with the conflict between legal justice (exposing Thénardier) and personal justice (protecting the girl he loves).

### Suffering and Sacrifice

Valjean's calm endurance under threat and Marius's emotional turmoil highlight themes of suffering and sacrifice.

### Redemption and Transformation

Valjean's resourcefulness and moral strength contrast with Thénardier's greed, suggesting a path of redemption.

## Character check-ins

### Marius Pontmercy

Hidden observer, torn between justice and love, recognizes Thénardier from his father's will.

### Thénardier

Leads the ambush, reveals his Waterloo past, demands ransom from M. Leblanc.

### Jean Valjean

Disguised as M. Leblanc, bound but resourceful, cuts his bonds and brandishes a hot chisel before being subdued.

### Madame Thénardier

Returns with news of a false address, enraged, participates in overpowering Valjean.

### Bigrenaille

One of the ruffians, also known as Panchaud or Printanier, unties Valjean's arm for writing.

## Key lines

> What did you expect to gain by that?

Thénardier asks Valjean what he hoped to achieve by giving a false address.

_Valjean's response 'To gain time!' leads to his escape attempt._

> I am a soldier of Waterloo, by all the furies!

Thénardier boasts of his role at the Battle of Waterloo.

_This revelation connects to the painting of Pontmercy and Thénardier._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xx-the-trap
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters