Les Misérables, Book 7: Slang, Chapter 1 summary
Book 7: Slang, Chapter 1 of 365 · 11 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, the narrator defends studying slang as a language born from misery and used in conflict with society, rather than dismissing it as disgusting. He argues that historians must examine hidden suffering alongside public events, then calls for compassion and education while warning that knowledge does not end pain.
What happens
- The narrator links idleness with theft and hunger, then recalls objections to his use of criminal speech.
- He argues that the ugliness of slang makes investigation necessary rather than improper.
- After surveying professional jargon, he limits his subject to the combative language of misery.
- He defends preserving slang and insists that historians study private suffering alongside public events.
- He portrays criminal language through images of disguise, darkness, and distorted animals.
- He urges compassion and education, while explaining that understanding and love do not remove suffering.
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Why does the narrator defend preserving slang?
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