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.
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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?
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