Les Misérables, Book 8: The Wicked Poor Man, Chapter 2 summary
Book 8: The Wicked Poor Man, Chapter 2 of 365 · 3 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 2, Marius encounters two ragged girls fleeing the police and picks up a packet he believes they drop, but cannot return it. A child's coffin and memories of happiness in the Luxembourg Gardens deepen his sadness as he continues toward dinner.
What happens
- Marius remains at the Gorbeau house, where the Jondrettes are the only other tenants.
- At nightfall, he leaves for dinner while Ma’am Bougon complains about rising prices.
- Two frightened, barefoot girls brush past him and speak of narrowly escaping the police.
- Marius finds a packet of papers, unsuccessfully calls after the girls, and puts it in his pocket.
- A child's coffin prompts him to reflect on mothers whose children die or live wickedly.
- His thoughts return to six months of love and happiness, making his present life seem darker.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The coffin brings the fleeing girls back to his mind. His thought joins compassion for mothers with a moral judgment about their children.
Quick check
What does Marius do with the packet after failing to find the girls?
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