Les Misérables, Book 8: Cemeteries Take What Is Entrusted to Them, Chapter 6 summary
Book 8: Cemeteries Take What Is Entrusted to Them, Chapter 6 of 365 · 3 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 6, Jean Valjean lies calmly inside a coffin, follows its journey to the cemetery by sound and movement, and trusts Fauchelevent to arrange his escape. His confidence collapses when earth strikes the lid and blocks a breathing hole, and he loses consciousness.
What happens
- Jean Valjean remains calm inside the coffin, confident that his arrangements and Fauchelevent’s help secure his escape.
- He tracks the journey by jolts and sounds, identifying the bridge, cemetery, and grave.
- The coffin tilts during its descent, then rests flat while a priest and child recite funeral prayers.
- Hearing footsteps withdraw, Jean Valjean expects Fauchelevent to return after taking Mestienne away for a drink.
- Earth falls onto the coffin, blocks one breathing hole, and makes Jean Valjean lose consciousness.
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
The escape plan becomes an immediate threat to life. The blocked opening makes the falling earth dangerous rather than merely frightening.
Quick check
What breaks Jean Valjean’s confidence that his escape is proceeding safely?
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
