Fontaine believes the Mayor will bring her child, Cosette.
Monsieur Madeleine's hair has turned white overnight.
Conversation about not lying to Fontaine about Cosette's arrival.
Madeleine visits the sleeping Fontaine, senses her tranquility and near-death state.
Chapter 2: Fontaine Happy
Fontaine's Joy:
Assumes her child, Cosette, is with Madeleine.
Expresses her dreams and happiness about reuniting with her daughter.
The doctor advises against seeing Cosette immediately due to Fontaine's health.
Fontaine's Delusions:
Hears a child in the yard, believes it's Cosette.
Remains hopeful and plans future with her daughter.
Chapter 3: Javert Satisfied
Arrival of Javert:
Javert enters Fontaine's room to arrest Monsieur Madeleine.
Javert's demeanor—cool, yet agitated, signifies his internal turmoil.
Javert's pride in catching Jean Valjean.
Jean Valjean (Monsieur Madeleine) accepts his fate without resistance.
Chapter 4: Authority Reasserts Its Rights
Confrontation:
Fontaine's fear at seeing Javert.
Javert's aggressive arrest of Madeleine.
Fontaine's condition worsens as she witnesses the arrest.
Fontaine's Death:
Fontaine dies from shock and heartbreak.
Jean Valjean accuses Javert of causing her death.
Chapter 5: A Suitable Tomb
Aftermath of Arrest:
Public reaction to Madeleine's arrest—a mix of shock and betrayal.
Jean Valjean escapes from custody, returns to his former lodgings briefly.
Sister Semplice's Lie: Protects Jean Valjean when Javert searches for him.
Jean Valjean's Departure:
Leaves M. Sur M. under disguise, carrying a bundle.
Fontaine's Burial:
Fontaine receives a pauper's burial.
Despite her tragic end and unmarked grave, implied divine justice.
Themes and Analysis
Deception and Reality: The conflict between what is real and perceived by characters like Fontaine and Madeleine.
Authority and Power: Javert's unwavering belief in law, contrasted with Jean Valjean's moral courage.
Tragedy and Misfortune: Fontaine's tragic fate and the harsh realities faced by the poor and marginalized.
Humanity and Redemption: Valjean's compassion as a constant element against societal judgments.
Character Dynamics
Jean Valjean/Monsieur Madeleine: Embodies the struggle for redemption and the conflicts between past and present identities.
Javert: Represents the unyielding and harsh nature of law.
Fontaine: Symbolizes innocence and victimhood in a cruel society.
Important Quotes
Fontaine's certainty about Cosette: Reflects her hope and innocence.
Javert's satisfaction on capturing Valjean: Reveals his rigid adherence to law.
Jean Valjean's accusation to Javert: Highlights the human cost of blind justice.
Conclusion
Les Misérables' first volume concludes with themes of justice, injustice, and redemption interwoven into the characters' lives, setting the stage for subsequent volumes.