Les Misérables, Book 4: The Friends of the a B C, Chapter 6 summary
Book 4: The Friends of the a B C, Chapter 6 of 365 · 4 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 6, Marius withdraws from his friends as doubts about his beliefs deepen, while an unpaid hotel bill forces him to sell clothes and his watch. He plans to learn languages for paid translation, refuses his aunt’s money, and leaves the hotel to avoid debt.
What happens
- Marius feels divided between his grandfather and his friends, fears growing distant from his father, and stops visiting the Café Musain.
- The hotel owner demands payment, and Marius tells Courfeyrac that he has little money and no relatives.
- Courfeyrac suggests translation work, and Marius resolves to learn English and German while living on sales of his belongings.
- His clothes and watch bring sixty-five francs, but the hotel bill leaves him with only ten francs.
- Aunt Gillenormand sends six hundred francs, which Marius returns despite having only three francs left.
- His aunt conceals his refusal from his grandfather, and Marius leaves the hotel to avoid further debt.

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In this chapter
What to notice
Marius accepts the need to work but insists on honesty. His answer defines the boundary he sets while facing poverty.
Quick check
How much money does Marius have when he refuses his aunt’s gift?

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