# The Havelet Near the Church explained — Toilers of the Sea

> Chapter companion for Toilers of the Sea by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

The chapter describes the bustling excitement in Guernsey as crowds flock to see the salvaged funnel of the Durande under Mess Lethierry's window, leaving St. Peter's Port nearly deserted. It contrasts the busy harbor with the secluded Havelet creek, a solitary spot near the church, and notes the departure of the Cashmere and the sale of a wedding ring to a man in a hurry.

## Themes in this chapter

### Heroism and Perseverance

Gilliatt's salvage of the Durande's machinery from the Douvres rocks is portrayed as a miraculous feat, inspiring both awe and skepticism among the townspeople.

### Social Class and Reputation

The contrast between the 'nobody' Gilliatt and the 'grave and correct' persons who shrug at the hubbub highlights class distinctions and the value placed on reputation.

## Character check-ins

### Gilliatt

Mentioned as the 'nobody' who performed the miraculous salvage of the Durande's machinery, causing the town's excitement.

### Mess Lethierry

His window is the focal point where the funnel of the Durande is displayed, drawing the crowd.

### Rev. Mr. Caudray

Referenced in connection with the Dean's death, his sudden riches, and the departure of the Cashmere; also mentioned as the person whose house a man in a hurry asked for.

### Cashmere

The vessel that departed, anchored in the roads due to easterly winds, and is part of the background events.

## Key lines

> When there is a crowd at St. Sampson, St. Peter’s Port is soon deserted. A point of curiosity at a given place is like an air-pump.

When everyone gathers at St. Sampson, St. Peter's Port quickly empties, as curiosity draws people away like a vacuum.

_Illustrates how the salvage event monopolizes public attention._

> The shipwreck had appeared extraordinary, the salvage seemed impossible.

The wreck was already remarkable, but the rescue of the machinery seemed beyond belief.

_Emphasizes the miraculous nature of Gilliatt's achievement._

> Not a single shopkeeper had had a 'handsell' that morning, except a jeweller, who was surprised at having sold a wedding-ring to 'a sort of man who appeared in a great hurry, and who asked for the house of the Dean.'

No shop made a sale that morning except a jeweler, who sold a wedding ring to a hurried man asking for the Dean's house.

_Highlights the unusual quiet in commerce and hints at a personal story involving the Dean._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-the-havelet-near-the-church
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters