Les Misérables, Book 5: The Descent, Chapter 8 summary
Book 5: The Descent, Chapter 8 of 365 · 5 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 8, Fantine briefly enjoys earning her living, but gossip about her letters leads Madame Victurnien to discover her child at Montfermeil. The supervisor dismisses Fantine in the mayor’s name, leaving her ashamed, burdened by debt, and afraid to appeal as the Thénardiers increase their demands.
What happens
- Fantine enjoys her earnings, rents a room, buys furniture on credit, and keeps her daughter secret.
- Women in the workroom watch her letters and tears, while someone gets her letter writer to reveal her secret.
- Madame Victurnien visits Montfermeil, speaks with the Thénardiers, and confirms that Fantine has a child.
- After Fantine works at the factory for over a year, the supervisor dismisses her with fifty francs in the mayor’s name.
- The Thénardiers demand fifteen francs, while Fantine cannot pay her debts or bring herself to appeal to the mayor.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The sentence presents Fantine’s understanding of the dismissal. Her belief in the mayor’s justice prevents her from asking him for help.
Quick check
Why does Fantine feel unable to leave the neighborhood?
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