Les Misérables, Book 7: The Champmathieu Affair, Chapter 8 summary
Book 7: The Champmathieu Affair, Chapter 8 of 365 · 5 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 8, M. Madeleine gains access to the court through his respected name, but the door into the courtroom fills him with fear and drives him into the corridor. After a painful pause, he returns, approaches the handle, and enters the courtroom despite his terror.
What happens
- M. Madeleine’s charitable work and support for local industries give him a reputation that reaches the presiding judge.
- The President grants him admission, and the usher leads him to the council chamber beside the courtroom.
- Exhausted and unfed, Madeleine reads a framed letter without attention while thinking about Fantine and Cosette.
- The courtroom door terrifies him, and he flees into the empty corridor.
- After a quarter of an hour, he returns to the chamber, slowly approaches the handle, and opens the door.

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In this chapter
What to notice
The gesture expresses his resistance at the threshold. His flight and return show a struggle that no visible person forces upon him.
Quick check
What does Madeleine do after spending a quarter of an hour in the corridor?

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