Les Misérables, Book 7: Parenthesis, Chapter 7 summary
Book 7: Parenthesis, Chapter 7 of 365 · 1 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 7, the narrator argues that judging convents requires acknowledging both their faults and the right to live apart from society. The discussion presents monastic sacrifice as a pursuit of eternal reward, then distinguishes serious moral criticism from malicious ridicule.
What happens
- The narrator assigns history and philosophy a duty to oppose four named figures of religious and political authority.
- The right to live apart deserves consideration despite its drawbacks and abuses.
- Convents combine mistaken beliefs with innocence, devotion, and suffering.
- Monastic life exchanges earthly sacrifice for the hope of heavenly reward.
- The narrator rejects mockery and malice while allowing anger and serious judgment.
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What to notice
The distinction sums up the proposed standard for judgment: condemn seriously without taking cruel pleasure in another person's beliefs or suffering.
Quick check
What attitude does the narrator reject when judging monastic life?
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