# The Leathern Trunk explained — Toilers of the Sea

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

## What happens

At dawn, the people of St. Sampson and St. Peter's Port gather to marvel at the salvaged funnel of the Durande, which Lethierry guards zealously. He writes letters to shipbuilders in Bremen and sends a boy to deliver them to the Cashmere, along with a trunk. Lethierry also writes a note to Gilliatt, urging him to hasten the marriage with Déruchette.

## Themes in this chapter

### Heroism and Perseverance

Gilliatt's successful salvage of the Durande's machinery is celebrated, though with a hint of wariness from the islanders.

### Social Class and Reputation

The crowd's admiration mixed with unease about Gilliatt's abilities reflects social dynamics and reputation in the community.

## Character check-ins

### Mess Lethierry

Observes the crowd, writes letters to Bremen, and sends a note to Gilliatt about the marriage.

### Déruchette

Mentioned as having risen and gone out; Lethierry comments on her being unwell the previous night.

### Gilliatt

Referenced by his nickname 'malicious Gilliatt'; Lethierry sends him a note about the marriage.

### Douce

Lethierry calls her to ask about Déruchette and later instructs her to deliver a note to Gilliatt.

### Grace

Lethierry calls her to wait and then hands her the note for Gilliatt.

## Key lines

> They talked of nothing but Gilliatt. They remarked on his surname of 'malicious Gilliatt;' and their admiration wound up with the remark, 'It is not pleasant to have people in the island who can do things like that.'

Everyone spoke only of Gilliatt, noting his nickname 'malicious Gilliatt,' and their admiration concluded with the uneasy feeling that it was unsettling to have someone so capable in the island.

_Highlights the ambivalent admiration the islanders feel toward Gilliatt's feat._

> Mess Lethierry was seen from outside the house, seated at a table before the window, writing, with one eye on the paper and another on the sloop.

From outside, Lethierry was visible at a table by the window, writing while keeping watch on the sloop.

_Illustrates Lethierry's intense focus on both his correspondence and the salvaged machinery._

> It is my wish that the marriage should take place as soon as possible; immediately would be better. I am busy about the Durande. Do you be busy about Déruchette.

Lethierry writes that he wants the marriage to happen quickly, even immediately, and instructs Gilliatt to attend to Déruchette while he handles the Durande.

_Shows Lethierry's urgency in arranging the marriage and his division of labor with Gilliatt._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-the-leathern-trunk
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters