Chapter+Analysis

= Chapte r Ana lysis =

Act I. The Fall
In this act, Jean Valjean is released from his prison sentence and is trying to find refuge somewhere in the village of Digne. But no one wants to take in an ex-convict. That's sad, because he was only arrested for stealing bread to feed his sister and her children. Which he ended up getting 19 years for... Well I think the author's way of writing is brilliant and I was hooked from the first sentence. It's awesome. I predict that Jean is actually going to end up turning around and everyone will feel bad about refusing him a place to stay. Kind of like in Hawthornes' the Scarlet Letter.

Act II. To Entrust is Sometimes to Abandon
I think the title of this act means that sometimes when someone trusts you, they're in fact abandoning you to whatever responsibilities they laid upon you. It pertains to the novel because Fantine entrusted (and therefore abandoned) her daughter to the innkeeping Thenardiers. This was even sadder than the first Act/Chapter whatever it is. The way the author subtley insulted Msr.Thenardier was hilarious and kind of canceled out the chapter's depressing atmosphere. He //"belonged to that bastard class formed of low people who// //have risen, and intelligent people who have fallen, which lies between the classes called midd////le and lower, and which unites some of the faults of the latter with nearly all the vices of the former, without possessing the generous impulses of the workman, or the respectability of the bourgeois."// This kind of humourous spiel has inflections that mock some of Douglas Adam's works. Perhaps Victor Hugo was an inspiration to that great author of the modern century. I think the Thenardiers are going to be of future importance to the story.

Act III. The Descent
It was very interesting to see Jean Valjean's ascent (sort of ironic) into the nobility under the alias of Father Madeleine, despite his background. I think Hugo is putting a lot of religious ideals into his novel. The fact that Jean, repentant sinner who made a promise to a bishop got riches and fame and all he desired; whereas Fantine, who mothered a child when she was not married to the father, then had to give the girl away to sad excuses for human beings, sank further and further into depression. She had to sell everything she owned, even her hair and her two front teeth. She had been very beautiful but was no longer. She lost everything of value. But Jean just kept gaining. He even became the Mayor of Mont-sur-Meil. He was loved by almost everyone. He gave a ton of money to the poor. He had status and respect among the nobility. He was the epitome of success, and sallow, poor women such as Fantine were lost in the shadow of his greatness. I think that if it were anyone else, they would fall back into avaricious ways, but Jean will somehow help Fantine.

Act IV. The Champmathieu Affair
I think Jean definitely did the right thing, going to court to show everyone that Champmathieu was innocent. Javert is slightly annoying though, with his ridiculous and unrealistic belief in the law. When the Judge said that condemned criminals cannot take an oath, that was odd. One part of me thinks they should be able to, but another argues with the fact that if he was a notorious oathbreaker, it's not going to matter whether he takes an oath or not. The main fault at hand with people is their inability to restrain judgement towards other people. It's a base instinct, apparently. I predict that Javert is going to die a suspicious and youthful death.

Act V. Counter-Stroke
Fantine's irrevocable trust in the man she believed to be mayor was sweet and ill at the same time. She saw what she wanted to see. I think it was very good of him to promise to retrieve her daughter even when it seemed unlikely he would get a chance to do so. The Jean Valjean then would never go back on a promise, no matter how improbable it was. Javert is still such a high-handed jerk. He's just a dog of the French government, who obeys orders unquestioningly and with sickening devotion to duty. I don't like him. My new prediction is that Javert's death will be not only untimely, but unlikely. Maybe Cosette will kill him.

Act I. The Ship Orion
Jean Valjean was sent back to Toulon, where he rescued a sailor from certain death. Then he faked drowning in the sea. That was funny. You'd think French authorities would be suspicious that no body was found when they searched the water. At least he had a final act of virtue. I'll bet anything he's still alive.

Act. II Fulfilment of the Promise to the Departed
Told you he was alive! Now he's after Cosette. That's nice. At least he didn't just take off and go into hiding. I think Cosette will have a very virtuous influence on Jean in the near future.

Act III. The Old Gorbeau House
Now Cosette and Jean live in this old house (hence the title of the act). They learn to love and trust one another, and we learn where Jean stashed all his wealth. The landlady that follows him is a real snoop. Then he sees that a beggar he gives money to all the time looks like Javert! I'll bet it really is that wily old officer in disguise. That guy's annoying. Jean made the right move by leaving. I wonder how he transports his money? I think Jean might be going insane and suffering from acute paranoia. He sees the one man who can penetrate his disguise everywhere. Maybe Javert will take away Cosette.

Act IV. A Dark Chase Needs a Dark Hound
The fact that Jean Valjean ripped down a metal and rope wire to save Cosette is frightening. That guy is an ox. Then he scaled a wall with her on his back? Crazy. Running into Fauchelevent seems slightly Deus ex Machina, but it was a nice twist. When he couldn't wake Cosette, that was scary. I'm glad she's not dead. I predict that she holds more importance to the book than Jean, and he will die before her. Maybe Javert will shoot at her and Jean takes the bullet.

Act V. Cemeteries Take What Is Given Them
Jean Valjean now became Ultimus Fauchelevent, fifty year old Christian gardener and relative of Fauchelevent. He worked at the Convent of Petit-Picpus in exchange for them educating Cosette. Cosette retained silence, but she was growing up. Jean became less cynical and sinful due to the calm and religious atmosphere of the convent. It's really nice that he gave up so much for Cosette. I think he will have to give up his life for her.

**__Part III. Marius__**

Act I. The Grand Bourgeois
I despise M. Gillenormand already. He wants to horsewhip his fifty year old daughter? Hasn't he tortured her enough by pruning her until she shares his exact beliefs? He destroyed whatever life she could have chosen for herself. I don't know why, but it seems like he might know Jean Valjean from somewhere. Maybe he will notify Javert.

Act II. The Grandfather and the Grandson
M. Gillenormand is an insufferable bigoted Royalist. He shouldn't have lied and contaminated poor young Marius's susceptible and gullible mind. To make a son abhor his own father is criminal. Especially when that father is the grand war hero George Pontmercy. The man truly loved his son, yet that love is returned his disgust. When his father's last wish was for his son to find and help a man named Thenardier, I almost laughed. Hopefully that name is very common in France. Thankfully, Marius seems to be realizing how great his father was when he talks to that priest person. I can't really figure out Theodule's character. I don't know whether I should hate him for spying on Marius and accepting the ten louis, or like him for not wanting to spy but knowing he must for his aunt. It was perfect and undescribable when Theodule comes across Marius, not chasing after a lass, like his relatives assumed, but mourning his dead father at his tomb. I predict that M. GIllenormand actually likes Marius but can't like him at the same time because of who his father is.

Act III. The Excellence of Misfortune
Perhaps because of his sudden change of ideals, Marius became himself. He earned his own meager fare but wasn't slow to hand out any extra to those in need. I hate M. Gillenormand somewhat less when we find that he in fact loves and dotes upon his grandson but just can't find a way to show it. I think Marius will be a better, less prick-ish of a person now.



Act IV. The Conjunction of Two Stars
I thought it was kind of funny but shallow of Marius that he doesn't really notice Mademoiselle Lenoire (who is of course really Cosette) until she was very beautiful. Marius' instant devotion that reduced him to a drooling idiot was kind of sad. Especially when he picked up a handkerchief marked U.F. and immediately assumed it was hers, even though it was actually Jeans'. (U.F.= Ultimus Fauchelevent). Then he started to stalk them... I think Marius and Jean will get in a fight.

Act V. The Noxious Poor
It was also weird seeing how kindnesses backfired. Marius paid for the Jondrette's rent and they turned out to be crooks. Jean was going to give them money to live and they turned into extortionists. Then finally, Marius was told to help Thenardier in any way possible, but he was a murderer. At least he helped free Jean in some way. That guy is seriously herculean. I think Jean's strength will be his downfall.

Act I. Eponine
I don't know if I should like Eponine from the supposition that she is just an innocent young girl, or despise her from base instincts. She seems vulgar and poor and repugnant, but I can't pinpoint why. I think it might be from her ugly facade towards Marius, where she acts like they're best friends and she didn't steal his only chair. I predict that she likes him. I also predict that he has no idea. For his own sake, I hope he finds out soon. Eponine seems like she will try to sabotage him and Cosette.

Act II. The House in the Rue Plumet
This chapter was kind of boring because it's all about love at first sight, a idealistic and purely philosophical notion. It's rather appalling that Marius only fell in love because he thought she was beautiful. There could be no substance behind the smile. Jean Valjean is kind of funny, with his abject horror that Cosette might be pretty and appealing to young men her age. It's selfish, in a way, but humourous because he's just thinking like a father who has to give his daughter away. Cosette is mean to make Jean suffer on her whims. She seems shallow.

Act III. Aid from Below May Be Aid from Above
I think the title of this act refers to the old allegory of the Christian's Satan as a snake. (Aid from Below) Because Jean was bit by a snake. But the title also says it may have been an act of God because Cosette tended to his wound, treated him lovingly, and seemed happy. That made him happy too. It felt like the relationship they once had may have returned. I predict that Jean wouldn't be able to survive another falling out.

Act IV. The End of Which is Unlike the Beginning
In this, Cosette gets freaked out by a rock, which I think is hilarious. Then she and Marius FINALLY express their love for one another. This was like their first face-to-face meeting. It was lame and I got kind of bored. I think they will have to seperate.

Act V. Enchantments and Desolations
Another really short act. Maybe I'm confusing acts for scenes? But I can't be, because there are even smaller breaks... Anyways, in this scene/act/chapter, Marius and Cosette are about to be parted, because Marius is a poor, miserable wretch with no money to his title. He therefore cannot go to England and follow Cosette. Poor him. I think she will stay.

Act VI. Where Are They Going?
Haha I told you Eponine was bad! She tricked Marius into going into the barricade.Then when Javert was captured I cheered. They didn't even kill him, which shows that they're at least going for a deathless revolution. Or they're just afraid. Marius will kill Javert.

Act VII. Marius Enters the Shadow
Marius found the barricade. Whoopee. I predict he will suffer a slow, buckshot-related death.

Act VIII. The Grandeurs of Despair
The death of Eponine was sad, but at least she confessed. It's like she saved her soul in the end. She saved his life by taking a bullet. And then he deems his life worthless because he can't have Cosette and goes off to die >.< What a pretentious, doting, imbecile. Now I predict he WON'T die.

Act IX. The Rue de l'Homme Arme
Jean Valjean knew of Marius and Cosette! Hilarious. If I were him I would forbid them to marry. Marius is kind of a overdramatic vagabond, who doesn't even think things through. Then, despite his unwillingness to give up Cosette, Jean goes off to save her lover. He is definitely a kind man, a saint. Here's hoping Marius is heavily injured and it affects his brain so he loses his prima donna-ness.

**__Part V. Jean Valjean__**

Act I. War Between Four Walls
It was horrible for Marius to have to choose who among five men was to live or die. When Jean Valjean arrived and dropped his uniform on the pile of four, allowing all five men to leave; that was the first time he saved Marius. Then when Gavroche died, that was sad. He was just a child, but they shot at him. I'm uncertain whether theywere trying to kill him on purpose and were just bad shots, or were playing a game by firing near him and it was an accident. Either way is inexcusable. I know why Jean saved Javert's life, but I don't see why that incessant twit can't just thank him and leave him alone as compensation. See, I knew Marius would be injured. Jean Valjean is really saintlike to carry that man to safety.

Act II. Mire, But Soul
Jean carried Marius through miles of sewers!? This is the same man who used to steal anything that wasn't nailed down! Then I was just annoyed when that Thenardier man showed up again. So some men are made convicts out of desperation, and some are born convicts by fate. What a weird guy, to have turned a sewage pipe into some kind of criminal's tollbooth. I wonder how he got out of jail? Anyways, Javert shows up again, but at least he lets Jean take Marius home and then lets him go to his own house. I assume Jean wants to say goodbye to Cosette?

Act III. Javert off the Track
This is the only moment in the book where I understood Javert and his motives. He really loved the law, and so when he broke it by letting Jean go, he didn't know what to do. All his life revolved around upholding law. So although his suicide was depressing, it seemed right somehow. Javert couldn't have gone on living any other way. I wonder if suicide is illegal in France, though. And if Javert was a catholic, then I suppose his suicide was horrible religiously. Maybe he thought that since he broke the law, he had already condemned himself to hell, so suicide wouldn't matter. I don't remember what Dante Alighieri said the punishment for suicide was, but I think it was pretty bad.

Act IV. The Grandson and the Grandfather
I think it's grand that Marius and his Grandfather have come to such an understanding. I suppose M. Gillenormand didn't know what he had until he almost lost it. Jean's fortune is ridiculous! I don't know if that would be a large amount now, I suppose he's the equivalent of a millionare. It looks like the book will have a happy ending after all, with Marius and Cosette's marriage. I think it's kind of funny that Marius doesn't know Jean saved him, and Jean won't tell him out of modesty.

Act V. The White Night
They are getting married! It's unfortunate that Jean chose to miss it, but I think he doesn't want to envision himself losing Cosette. The fact that he carried Cosette's first outfit was heartbreaking as well. It's weird that he seems to be in mourning when a marriage is supposed to be a happy occasion.

Act VI. The Last Drop in the Chalice
Marius is seriously a loser that he hates Jean and tries to take Cosette away from him even further just because Jean used to be a convict. Does that cancel out his years of saintlike generousity and altruism? No! I hate Marius. Marius is even more a loser because he starts making up how he always knew Jean was bad, was always repulsed by him. I could quote where it says he took a liking to Jean, back in the gardens of Luxembourg. Another one of my favorite quotes is here: "What was this gloomy game of providence which had placed this child in contact with this man? Are coupling chains then forged on high also, and does it please God to pair the angel with the demon?"

Act VII. The Twilight Wane
Marius is still a jerk. he won't even let Jean call Cosette by her first name. Marius is rather high-handed... I still don't like him.



Act VIII. Supreme Shadow, Supreme Dawn
Jean Valjean goes to die. Marius has the gall to say that he is forgiven. Marius should be the one who needs forgiven. But here is my last favorite quote in the book, the final scene. //"There is, in the cemetery of Pere Lachaise, in the neighborhood of the Potters' field, far from the elegant quartier of the city of sepulchers, far from all those fantastic tombs which display in pres////enc////e of eternity th////e hideous fashions of death, in a deserted corner, beside an old wall, beneath a great yew on which the bindweed climbs, among the dog-grasses and mosses, a stone. This stone is exempt no more////than the rest from the leprosy of time, from the mould, the lichen, and the droppings of the birds. The air turns it black, the water green. It is near no path, and people do no////t like to go in that direction, because the grass is high, and they would wet their feet. When there is a little sunshine, the lizards come out. There is, all about, a rustling of wild oats. In the spring, the linnets sing in the trees. This stone is entirely blank. The only thought in cutting it was the essentials of the grave, and there was no other care than to make this ston////e long enough and narrow enough to cover a man. No name can be read there."// // Great job using detail 60/50 //