Les Misérables, Book 2: The Fall, Chapter 12 summary
Book 2: The Fall, Chapter 12 of 365 · 5 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 12, Monseigneur Bienvenu treats the stolen silver as property belonging to the poor, then tells the gendarmes that he gives it to Jean Valjean and secures his release. He also hands over two silver candlesticks and urges Valjean to become honest, turning an arrest into an unexpected act of mercy.
What happens
- Madame Magloire discovers the silver is missing and finds signs that the overnight guest escapes over the garden wall.
- The Bishop says the silver belongs to the poor and calmly accepts eating without silver utensils.
- Three gendarmes bring Jean Valjean back with the silver, but the Bishop confirms his claim that it is a gift.
- The gendarmes release Valjean, and the Bishop gives him two silver candlesticks as well.
- After the gendarmes leave, the Bishop tells the speechless Valjean to become honest and declares his soul reclaimed for God.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The Bishop addresses Valjean as family rather than as a criminal. He presents his mercy as a claim upon Valjean’s moral life.
Quick check
What does the Bishop give Jean Valjean after the gendarmes release him?
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