Les Misérables, Book 7: The Last Draught from the Cup, Chapter 2 summary
Book 7: The Last Draught from the Cup, Chapter 2 of 365 · 13 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 2, Marius struggles with Jean Valjean’s confession, weighing his honesty and care for Cosette against his criminal status and a suspected act of revenge. He avoids decisive questions, resents his promise to allow visits, and conceals his distress while Cosette confirms the goodness of her upbringing.
What happens
- Marius considers his failure to investigate Cosette’s circumstances but concludes that knowing Valjean’s past would not have changed his marriage.
- Valjean’s voluntary confession and return of six hundred thousand francs impress Marius despite his horror.
- Remembering Javert’s removal from the barricade and a gunshot, Marius assumes that Valjean kills him for revenge.
- Marius struggles to reconcile Valjean’s criminal status with his devoted protection of Cosette and avoids asking decisive questions.
- He regrets allowing Valjean to visit, but his promise conflicts with his desire to protect Cosette.
- Marius hides his distress and questions Cosette, whose answers confirm Valjean’s honorable care.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The confession makes Valjean more credible even as his identity horrifies Marius. This contradiction drives Marius’s struggle to judge him.
Quick check
What does Marius learn by questioning Cosette about her upbringing?
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