Les Misérables, Book 5: For a Black Hunt, a Mute Pack, Chapter 2 summary
Book 5: For a Black Hunt, a Mute Pack, Chapter 2 of 365 · 3 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 2, Jean Valjean takes advantage of his pursuers’ hesitation to carry Cosette toward the Seine and cross the Pont d’Austerlitz beside a heavy cart. His belief that he has escaped collapses when he spots four men on the bridge, so he enters a dark street between lumberyards.
What happens
- Jean Valjean leaves his hiding place and carries the tiring Cosette toward the quay.
- At the Pont d’Austerlitz, an old soldier demands payment for both Valjean and the child.
- Valjean crosses in a heavy cart’s shadow, then lets Cosette walk beside him.
- Across the bridge, he crosses an exposed space toward a narrow street between lumberyards.
- He sees four pursuing men enter the bridge and risks entering the dark street.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The comparison marks the collapse of Valjean’s sense of safety. Seeing the men forces him to seek another escape route.
Quick check
Why does the soldier demand two sous from Valjean?
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