# A Deserved Success Has Always Its Detractors explained — Toilers of the Sea

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

## What happens

Mess Lethierry's steamboat, the Durande, has brought him financial success, paying off debts and mortgages, but his prosperity is met with skepticism and distrust from the conservative community, who view steam as risky and innovation as suspect.

## Themes in this chapter

### Superstition vs. Progress

The community's distrust of steam power and preference for sails illustrates the conflict between innovation and conservative tradition.

### Social Class and Reputation

Lethierry's success is viewed as exceptional and risky, affecting his reputation and the willingness of others to follow his example.

## Character check-ins

### Mess Lethierry

Has achieved financial success through the Durande, paying off debts and mortgages, but faces skepticism from the community.

### Rantaine

Mentioned as having robbed Lethierry ten years prior, contributing to the background of Lethierry's struggles.

## Key lines

> Innovations have always to contend with the difficulty that few wish them well.

New ideas always face opposition because few people genuinely support them.

_Highlights the theme of resistance to progress._

> Such is the fanatical spirit of conservatism in opposition to progress.

This illustrates the extreme conservative attitude that resists change.

_Directly underscores the superstition vs. progress theme._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/v-a-deserved-success-has-always-its-detractors
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters