Les Misérables, Book 7: The Last Draught from the Cup, Chapter 1 summary
Book 7: The Last Draught from the Cup, Chapter 1 of 365 · 26 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, Jean Valjean tells Marius his real name and criminal history, explaining that conscience prevents him from accepting family life under a false identity. Marius promises to keep Cosette ignorant of the confession and, after first recommending separation, allows Jean Valjean to visit her each evening.
What happens
- Jean Valjean visits after the wedding, and Marius warmly invites him to live with the newly married couple.
- Jean Valjean reveals his criminal history, exposes his invented hand injury, and denies being Cosette’s biological father.
- He explains that keeping his identity secret would betray his conscience, and he declines Marius’s offer to seek a pardon.
- Cosette interrupts cheerfully, unaware of their subject, but Marius persuades her to leave them alone.
- Jean Valjean breaks down at the thought of Cosette learning his history, and Marius promises secrecy.
- Marius first recommends ending visits, but Jean Valjean pleads to keep seeing Cosette and receives permission for evening calls.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of I miserabili, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Inizia 90 giorni gratisNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
In this chapter
What to notice
Jean Valjean explains why he sacrifices the welcome Marius offers. His need for an honest conscience outweighs the comfort of hiding his identity.
Quick check
Why does Jean Valjean invent an injury to his hand?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of I miserabili, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Inizia 90 giorni gratisNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
