Les Misérables · Chapter
Fauchelevent in the Presence of a Difficulty explained
Fauchelevent, the convent gardener, approaches the prioress with a request to bring his brother and his brother's young daughter to live and work with him, citing his age and infirmities.
What happens
Fauchelevent, the convent gardener, approaches the prioress with a request to bring his brother and his brother's young daughter to live and work with him, citing his age and infirmities. The prioress, after listening, asks him to procure a stout iron bar for a lever, then leaves him alone.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
Marius’s psychological peak occurs as he is overwhelmed by a “whirlwind” of confusion, realizing that his pers…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Suffering and Sacrifice
Fauchelevent's age and infirmities, and his willingness to sacrifice his own comfort to bring his brother and niece into the convent, reflect themes of personal sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Father Fauchelevent
The gardener, also called Father Fauvent, presents a request to the prioress to bring his brother and niece into the convent.
- Mother Crucifixion
The prioress, Mademoiselle de Blemeur (Mother Innocente), listens to Fauchelevent's request and asks him to procure an iron bar.
Key passages
“It is the peculiarity of certain persons and certain professions, notably priests and nuns, to wear a grave and agitated air on critical occasions.”
Priests and nuns often appear serious and anxious during important moments.
Describes the demeanor of the prioress and the gravity of the situation.
“Goodman Fauchelevent, the ex-notary, belonged to the category of peasants who have assurance. A certain clever ignorance constitutes a force; you do not distrust it, and you are caught by it.”
Fauchelevent, a former notary, had the confident cunning of a peasant, using apparent simplicity to gain trust.
Highlights Fauchelevent's shrewdness and how he navigates convent politics.
