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Les Misérables, Book 8: A Counterblow, Chapter 2 summary

Book 8: A Counterblow, Chapter 2 of 365 · 6 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 2, Fantine believes Cosette is nearby, and the doctor and M. Madeleine encourage her hope while urging her to remain calm. She mistakes another child's singing for her daughter's voice and imagines their life together, until the sight of Javert abruptly replaces her joy with terror.

What happens

  1. Fantine asks for Cosette, and the doctor says her child is present but insists that Fantine must recover before seeing her.
  2. Fantine tries to remain calm while questioning M. Madeleine about Cosette's health, care, and journey.
  3. M. Madeleine reassures her, but he hesitates over something he has come to tell her.
  4. Fantine hears a girl singing outside and believes she recognizes Cosette's voice.
  5. She imagines sharing a garden with Cosette and preparing for her daughter's first communion.
  6. Fantine suddenly becomes terrified, signals M. Madeleine to turn around, and he sees Javert.

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In this chapter

CosetteFantineJavert

What to notice

The final sentence identifies the presence behind Fantine's sudden terror. It breaks the sequence of hopeful talk without explaining what Javert intends.

Quick check

Whose singing does Fantine mistake for Cosette's voice?

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