Les Misérables, Book 3: The Grandfather and the Grandson, Chapter 6 summary
Book 3: The Grandfather and the Grandson, Chapter 6 of 365 · 10 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 6, Marius studies his father's life and the history of France, exchanging inherited royalist beliefs for devotion to Napoleon and republican ideas. His love for his dead father grows into resentment toward his grandfather, while an unsuccessful search for Thénardier leaves his father's last request unfulfilled.
What happens
- Marius returns to Paris, studies historical records, and consults his father's former generals and Churchwarden Mabeuf.
- Learning about Georges Pontmercy brings admiration, grief, and remorse for the affection Marius cannot now give him.
- His reading transforms his view of the Republic and Empire, culminating in an emotional declaration of loyalty to Napoleon.
- He adopts democratic and republican beliefs and orders cards identifying him as Baron Marius Pontmercy.
- Marius withdraws from his grandfather, who mistakes his secret passion for a love affair.
- He searches Montfermeil for Thénardier but finds the inn closed and its former keeper's whereabouts unknown.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The narrator qualifies Marius's conversion. His new understanding corrects old prejudices but also makes him overlook brutality and accept Napoleon too completely.
Quick check
What does Marius discover when he searches for Thénardier?
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