Les Misérables, Book 3: In 1817, Chapter 2 summary
Book 3: In 1817, Chapter 2 of 365 · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 2, four student lovers and their companions are introduced, with Fantine’s faithful attachment to Félix Tholomyès set against his casual interest in her. Tholomyès secretly proposes a surprise to the other men, and their private discussion leads to a Sunday outing for all eight.
What happens
- Four students form couples with Favourite, Dahlia, Zéphine, and Fantine, whose innocence separates her from her more experienced friends.
- Favourite’s family history and the other women’s habits show the different lives behind their friendships.
- Fantine grows up without known parents, leaves home for farm work at ten, and reaches Paris at fifteen.
- Fantine loves Tholomyès faithfully, while he treats their relationship as a passing amusement.
- Tholomyès leads his companions in a secret discussion about a promised surprise, and they arrange a Sunday pleasure outing.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The sentence states the central imbalance between Tholomyès and Fantine. Their shared romance does not mean they share the same commitment.
Quick check
Why do the four men hold a private discussion?
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