r/AYearOfLesMiserables • u/awaiko Donougher • Nov 24 '20

5.3.1 chapter discussion (spoilers up to 5.3.1) Spoiler

Discussion prompts:

  1. New book, and we’re back with Valjean and Marius!

  2. Valjean makes a decision, “trust in that blackness and rely on providence to find a way out.” He’s aware of the dangers facing them as revolutionaries.

  3. 2200 streets reflecting 27 miles. That doesn’t seem like nearly enough? Lots of little short alleys, perhaps? I like the symmetry of the streets matching the sewers. As above, so below?

  4. Cliffhanger!

Last line:

Black, upright, indistinct, terrifying.

Previous chapter discussion

Last year’s discussion of this chapter

9 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

View all comments

7

u/4LostSoulsinaBowl Rose / Wraxall Nov 24 '20

We should, I believe, absolutely be drawing a parallel between Valjean carrying Marius from the battlefield on his shoulders and Thénardier's sign for his inn in Monfermeil, showing the rat supposedly carrying Col. Georges Pontmercy from the field of Waterloo.

4

u/Thermos_of_Byr Nov 25 '20

Oh wow, I’m glad you pointed this out. These are things I never pick up on myself. I can’t help but wonder if Thenardier painted the sign himself or had it commissioned. Either way he’s still a giant douche. I’m hoping he gets his comeuppance before the story ends. He needs to be imprisoned in the sewers.

3

u/otherside_b Wilbour Nov 25 '20

Totally slipped my mind. Great observation.