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{{other uses|Cosette (disambiguation)}} | |||
{{book-in-universe|date=February 2008}} | |||
{{redirect|Cozette|the Mario & Luigi character|Mario & Luigi: Brothership}} | |||
{{primarysources|date=February 2008}} | |||
{{Infobox character | |||
| name = Cosette Pontmercy | |||
| series = ] | |||
| image = Cosette-sweeping-les-miserables-emile-bayard-1862.jpg | |||
| image_size = 250px | |||
| image_upright = | |||
| alt = | |||
| caption = Illustration of Cosette in the Thénardiers' inn at ] depicted by ] (1837–1891). | |||
| first = | |||
| last = | |||
| creator = ] | |||
| portrayer = | |||
| voice = | |||
| lbl1 = | |||
| data1 = | |||
| lbl2 = | |||
| data2 = | |||
| lbl3 = | |||
| data3 = | |||
| info-hdr = | |||
| full_name = Euphrasie | |||
| nickname = Cosette, Alouette | |||
| alias = {{Unbulleted list | |||
|Ursule or Ursula | |||
|the Lark | |||
|Mademoiselle Lanoire or Lenoire | |||
|Madame Pontmercy | |||
|Cosette Fauchelevent | |||
}} | |||
| gender = Female | |||
| affiliation = | |||
| title = | |||
| family = {{Unbulleted list | |||
|] (mother) | |||
|] (surrogate father) | |||
|] (biological father) | |||
}} | |||
| spouse = ] | |||
| children = | |||
| relatives = {{Unbulleted list | |||
|] (father-in-law) | |||
|Monsieur Gillenormand (grandfather-in-law) | |||
}} | |||
| religion = ] | |||
| nationality = French | |||
| lbl21 = Born | |||
| data21 = 1815 | |||
| lbl22 = | |||
| data22 = | |||
| lbl23 = | |||
| data23 = | |||
| extra-hdr = | |||
| lbl31 = | |||
| data31 = | |||
| lbl32 = | |||
| data32 = | |||
| lbl33 = | |||
| data33 = | |||
}} | |||
'''Cosette''' ({{IPA|fr|kɔzɛt}}) is a fictional character in the 1862 novel '']'' by ] and in the many adaptations of the story for stage, film, and television. Her birth name, '''Euphrasie''', is only mentioned briefly. As the ]ed child of an unmarried mother deserted by her father, Hugo never gives her a surname. In the course of the novel, she is mistakenly identified as ''Ursule'', ''Lark'', or ''Mademoiselle Lanoire''. | |||
] | |||
She is the daughter of ], a working woman who leaves her to be looked after by the ], who exploit and victimise her. Rescued by ], who raises Cosette as if she were his own, she grows up in a convent school. She falls in love with ], a young lawyer. Valjean's struggle to protect her while disguising his past drives much of the plot until he recognizes "that this child had a right to know life before renouncing it"<ref>Victor Hugo, ''Les Misérables'' (English language) Kindle Edition, 583)</ref>—and he must allow her romantic attachment to Marius to blossom. | |||
'''Cosette''' is a fictional character in the novel ] by ]. | |||
== |
== In the novel == | ||
=== Early life === | |||
Euphrasie, nicknamed Cosette by her mother, is the ] daughter of Fantine and ], a rich student. She is born in Paris {{circa|1815|lk=no}}. Tholomyès abandons Fantine, who leaves three-year-old Cosette with the Thénardiers at their inn in ], paying them to care for her child while she works in the city of ]. Unbeknownst to Fantine, the Thénardiers abuse Cosette while she is under their care. They beat and starve her and force her to perform heavy labor in the inn. Under the Thénardiers' care she is described as "thin and pale", wears rags for clothing, and has ] on her hands as well as bruised and reddened skin. She is forced to go barefoot in winter.<ref>Victor Hugo Les Miserables page 382</ref> The narrator also says that "fear was spread all over her". | |||
While Fantine is in the hospital, the mayor of ]—] masquerading as "Madeleine" to avoid revealing that he is a paroled convict—vows to retrieve Cosette for her. Although Fantine dies before seeing her daughter, Valjean becomes determined to look after the young girl. | |||
Euphrasie, nicknamed Cosette by her mother, is the illegitimate daughter of Fantine and Felix Tholomyès. After Tholomyès abandons Fantine, Fantine leaves Cosette with the ] at their inn in ], paying them to care for her child while she goes to work in the city of ]. Unbeknownst to Fantine, the Thénardiers mistreat Cosette, forcing her to do chores around the inn. ] and Azelma Thénardier, the Thénardiers daughters, tease and mistreat Cosette as well. | |||
] (1850–1916)]] | |||
From the hospital she has been placed in, Fantine sends Jean Valjean, the mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer, to retrieve Cosette. Fantine dies before Cosette can be brought to her, but Jean Valjean becomes determined to look after her. When he arrives in Montfermeil, he finds Cosette fetching a pail of water for the Thénardiers. Appalled by this treatment, he pays all of Fantine's debts to the Thénardiers and leaves with Cosette. M. Thénardier later regrets not having demanded more money, but finds himself unable to swindle any more out of Valjean. | |||
When he arrives in Montfermeil on ], Valjean finds Cosette fetching a pail of water and accompanies her back to the inn, where he witnesses her mistreatment by the Thénardiers as well as the unkindnesses of their daughters ] and ]. Valjean leaves the inn and returns with an expensive new doll which he offers to Cosette. At first reluctant, Cosette joyfully accepts it, which infuriates Thénardier; Éponine and Azelma become jealous. | |||
The next morning, ], Valjean informs the Thénardiers that he has come to take Cosette with him. Madame Thénardier immediately agrees but Thénardier pretends affection for Cosette and acts reluctant. Valjean pays 1500 francs to settle Fantine's debts and leaves with Cosette. Thénardier tries to swindle more money out of Valjean by saying that he has changed his mind and wants Cosette back, informing Valjean that Cosette's mother had entrusted her to his care and he cannot release her without a note from her mother. Valjean, agreeing with him, hands him a letter signed by Fantine. Thénardier then attempts to order Valjean to return Cosette or to pay a thousand crowns, but Valjean ignores him and leaves with Cosette. | |||
Valjean takes Cosette directly to Paris and begins giving her a basic education. When Inspector Javert discovers Valjean's whereabouts, Valjean is forced to flee. He finds himself in the Petit-Picpus convent. The gardener, Fauchelevent, was once rescued by Valjean in Montreuil-sur-Mer, and is eager to help him. Valjean poses as Fauchelevent's brother, assuming that name for Cosette and himself, and the two live peacefully in the convent for many years. Valjean works with Fauchelevent while Cosette is educated. As Cosette grows up, she appears to have no recollection of her childhood before arriving at the ]. | |||
=== Paris === | |||
In a later chapter, Cosette does eventually have a recollection of her childhood. Cosette remembers praying for the mother she never knew, the Thénardiers as two ugly creatures, and fetching the water for the Thénardiers somewhere "very far from Paris". In the same chapter, she asks Valjean about her mother, but he does not answer her question. When Cosette has a dream about her mother as an angel, she remarks that her mother must have been a saint before. Valjean answers this by simply stating, "through martyrdom." | |||
Valjean takes Cosette to ], where they lodge at Gorbeau House; Valjean begins her education. When ] discovers Valjean's whereabouts, he and Cosette must flee. Valjean climbs over a wall and they find themselves in a garden attached to a ]. The gardener ] recognizes Valjean as the man who rescued him years earlier and agrees to shelter them. Valjean poses as Fauchelevent's brother and says he is Cosette's grandfather. They live peacefully in the convent for many years as Valjean works with Fauchelevent and Cosette attends the convent school. Over time, she appears to have no recollection of her childhood before arriving at the convent. As Cosette matures, beautiful and healthy, with chestnut hair, beautiful eyes, rosy cheeks, pale skin, and a radiant smile, Valjean realizes it would be unfair to allow her to become a nun without having experienced the outside world which a cloistered nun must renounce. | |||
In a later chapter, Cosette eventually remembers her childhood—praying for the mother she never knew; the two ugly Thénardiers, and fetching them water somewhere "very far from Paris". In the same chapter, she asks Valjean about her mother, but he does not answer her question. When Cosette has a dream about her mother as an angel, she remarks that her mother must have been a saint. Valjean replies, "through martyrdom". | |||
==Relationship with Marius Pontmercy== | |||
=== Relationship with Marius Pontmercy === | |||
Cosette’s adult life centres on a young man by the name of ]. Their first meeting is in the Luxemburg Gardens where both are unaware of each other until their eyes meet. Both Marius and Cosette fall in love with each other at that moment and begin to constantly think of each other. When Valjean takes notice of Marius’ affections, he sees Marius as a coward for not confronting Valjean and seeking approval to court his "daughter". He also fears losing Cosette, (who has become the source of his happiness), to Marius. Valjean then takes Cosette away from the Luxemburg Gardens. | |||
], 1887 edition]] | |||
Marius sees Cosette for the first time in the ]. She is fourteen years old, and fresh out of the convent, so he pays little attention to her. After a few months, Marius notices her and sees that she has grown to be an extremely beautiful young woman. Soon Cosette and Marius exchange glances and fall in love. Valjean notices how attentive Marius is to their movements. When he learns that Marius has followed them home and inquired about them, he quickly moves to a more obscure address with Cosette. | |||
Marius spots Cosette again during a charitable visit she and Valjean make to the Thénardiers at Gorbeau House, directly next door to Marius. He asks Éponine to find her address for him, and she reluctantly agrees. After many weeks, Éponine takes Marius to Cosette's new address in order to please Marius. Marius watches Cosette for a few nights before approaching her. When Cosette and Marius finally meet again in the garden, they confess their mutual love, share their first kiss, and introduce themselves. They continue to meet in secret. | |||
Marius is able to meet Cosette again through Éponine. Éponine takes Marius to Cosette’s new address in order to see Marius happy. Marius idly watches Cosette before approaching her for a few nights. When Cosette and Marius finally meet again, both of them confess that they love each other. They continue to meet each other from that point on. After robbery by Thénardier at Valjean and Cosette’s home, Valjean believes that Javert is on his trail. He decides that he and Cosette will move to England. This devastates Cosette and Marius, because it will be the end of their relationship. | |||
Éponine prevents Thénardier, ] and ] from robbing Valjean and Cosette's house. The same night, Cosette informs Marius that she and Valjean will be departing for England soon. This news devastates them both, because it will mean the end of their relationship. Marius briefly attempts to obtain money and permission to marry from his grandfather to circumvent this issue. Their discussion dissolves into a heated argument stemming from the grandfather's suggestion to "Make her mistress", and Marius storms out. | |||
Marius writes a farewell letter to Cosette, and is led to the barricades by Éponine, in hope that they will die together. While dying, Éponine reveals this to Marius and gives him Cosette’s letter before she dies. Valjean reads Marius’ farewell letter and decides to follow Marius to the barricades. After the battle is over, he takes Marius unconscious body through the sewers. After a confrontation with Javert, Valjean finally manages to get Marius through the sewers alive. He returns Marius to his beloved Cosette, and she watches over him until he recovers from his injuries. | |||
The next day, Éponine (now dressed as a boy) finds Valjean in an embankment in the ] and anonymously throws him a note, which tells him to "move". Valjean considers this in horror for a few days, then informs Cosette they will move to their other house and will be in England in a week. Cosette quickly writes a letter to Marius with this information. She catches sight of Éponine through the gate and asks the "workman" to deliver the letter to Marius. Éponine accepts the letter, but does not deliver it. | |||
The two decide to marry each other, but Marius learns of Valjean’s criminal history. This leads him to believe Valjean is dangerous, and asks him to leave him and Cosette. When finding out through Thénardier that Valjean had saved him, Marius with Cosette goes to Valjean on his deathbed. Valjean then shares the last minutes of his life with Marius and Cosette. | |||
Several nights later, Marius is led to the barricades by Éponine, in hope that they will die together. After being fatally shot, Éponine reveals this to Marius and gives him Cosette’s letter before she dies. Marius writes a farewell letter to Cosette, which is delivered to Valjean by ]. Valjean reads Marius’ farewell letter and decides to follow Marius to the barricades. After the battle is over, he takes Marius' unconscious body through the sewers. After, quite literally, dragging Marius through quicksand in the sewer, Valjean finally manages to get Marius through the sewers alive. He is let out by Thénardier, who has a government key and does not recognize him, simply assuming him to be an assassin who killed Marius. | |||
==See also== | |||
{{commonscat|Cosette by Emile Bayard}} | |||
* ] | |||
At the exit, he is confronted by Javert, who had pursued Thénardier there and was watching the exit in hopes of catching him. Javert helps Valjean return Marius to his grandfather's house, and Valjean requests to be brought home to say goodbye to Cosette before being sent back to the galleys. Javert allows it, and when Valjean instinctively looks out the window, Javert is gone. It is later revealed that Valjean sparing Javert's life at the barricade had caused a moral paradox and that Javert had committed suicide by jumping into the Seine. After Marius' six-month recovery from his wounds, he is reunited with Cosette. | |||
==References== | |||
*"Les Misérables by Victor Hugo." '']''. | |||
=== Wedding and afterwards === | |||
*"Les Misérables." 11 November 2006 | |||
] | |||
On February 16, 1833, Marius and Cosette marry. The next morning, Valjean tells Marius of his criminal past. Marius asks him to leave him and Cosette. He then allows Valjean to visit her each evening, but makes those visits increasingly difficult until Valjean stops coming. While Marius, assuming the worst about Valjean's character, searches for the real origin of Cosette's money, Valjean loses the will to live and becomes bedridden. When Marius learns from Thénardier that he owes his life to Valjean, Marius and Cosette go to Valjean, find him on his deathbed, and reconcile with him. As Marius looks on, Valjean tells Cosette the story of her mother Fantine and how he came to be her guardian. Valjean dies peacefully. | |||
== Character role == | |||
Critics have often considered Cosette to be something of an empty figure, with no real independent character apart from the role she plays in the lives of others: as an innocent, hopeless child-victim to be exploited (for the Thénardiers); a daughter to be protected (for Fantine and Valjean); and an object of adoration (for Marius). Stephanie Barbé Hammer writes that "Having served her function as a paternalizing figure, Cosette grows up into a silent, beautiful cipher".<ref>Stephanie Barbé Hammer, ''The Sublime Crime: Fascination, Failure, and Form in Literature of the Enlightenment'', Southern Illinois University Press, 1994, p.158</ref> She has the same, but reverse, role as an object of jealousy and hatred for the villainous characters. As Kathryn M. Grossman remarks, she brings out the "hatred of humanity" that is typical of Hugo's villains. When Madame Thénardier sees that the grown-up Cosette has become a "well-off and radiant young woman, Madame Thénardier responds viscerally, 'I'd like to kick open her belly'."<ref>Kathryn M. Grossman, ''Figuring Transcendence in Les Miserables: Hugo's Romantic Sublime'', Illinois University Press, 1994, p.21.</ref> | |||
Cosette is also portrayed as largely sexless. ] says of her relationship to Marius, | |||
<blockquote>Now the love between these two is completely ethereal; the sex drive has been surgically removed so that their relationship can be purely one of feeling. Before the wedding the young people exchange one kiss, which is not repeated because, as the narrator says, neither Marius nor Cosette was aware of the existence of carnal desire.... The dialogue between these two virtuous lovers is as unreal as their amorous behavior. For this reason, the episodes where the two lovers talk to each other are the most artificial moments in the novel.<ref>Mario Vargas Llosa, ''The Temptation of the Impossible: Victor Hugo and Les Miserables'', Princeton University Press, 2007, p.73.</ref></blockquote> | |||
However, in a novel of symbolism and metaphor, Cosette may also be seen as a symbol of hope in the world of Les Misérables, representing the rise of the oppressed and abused from darkness to a bright future. She is the primary motivation for several characters in the novel to lift themselves out of darkness, regardless of whether or not they succeed. For this reason the picture of her sweeping the inn in the evening is often the image most associated as being singularly representative of the main themes of the book, and is used frequently on the cover. | |||
== Adaptations == | |||
{{Main|Adaptations of Les Misérables}} | |||
Since the original publication of ''Les Misérables'' in 1862, the character of Cosette has been included in many adaptations in various media, including ], ],<ref> at the ]</ref> ], ] and ], most notably in the 2007 anime '']'', in which she rather than Valjean is the central character. | |||
== In the musical == | |||
{{See also|Songs from Les Misérables|Les Misérables (musical)#Synopsis|l2=Synopsis of the musical}} | |||
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2013}} | |||
In the ] based on the novel, Cosette is a principal character played by two actresses, a younger female for Montfermeil in 1823 and an older female for Paris in 1832. Hers is considered a ] role. Her role as an adolescent is condensed while her joy in singing and reading is only implied (specifically in "Castle on the Cloud"). Many other details of her character including her passionate nature ("A Heart Full of Love") are similarly portrayed by implication in the songs she sings. | |||
Other aspects were fully omitted including the conversation between Valjean and Cosette as he helps her carry the water bucket, their stay at Gorbeau House, their avoidance of Javert and their arrival at the Petit-Picpus convent, much of which were later reintroduced in the ]. The musical also condenses the time between the wedding of Cosette and Marius and their visit to the dying Valjean. | |||
{{wikisource|Les Misérables|''Les Misérables''}} | |||
{{Commons category|Cosette}} | |||
== See also == | |||
{{portal|Children's literature}} | |||
*] | |||
== Footnotes == | |||
<references /> | |||
== References == | |||
*''Les Misérables'' by Victor Hugo. '']''. | |||
*''Les Misérables'', 11 November 2006 | |||
== External links == | |||
* at the ] | |||
{{lesmis}} | {{lesmis}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 14:40, 12 November 2024
For other uses, see Cosette (disambiguation). "Cozette" redirects here. For the Mario & Luigi character, see Mario & Luigi: Brothership. Fictional characterCosette Pontmercy | |
---|---|
Les Misérables character | |
Illustration of Cosette in the Thénardiers' inn at Montfermeil depicted by Émile Bayard (1837–1891). | |
Created by | Victor Hugo |
In-universe information | |
Full name | Euphrasie |
Alias |
|
Nickname | Cosette, Alouette |
Gender | Female |
Family |
|
Spouse | Marius Pontmercy |
Relatives |
|
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Nationality | French |
Born | 1815 |
Cosette (French pronunciation: [kɔzɛt]) is a fictional character in the 1862 novel Les Misérables by Victor Hugo and in the many adaptations of the story for stage, film, and television. Her birth name, Euphrasie, is only mentioned briefly. As the orphaned child of an unmarried mother deserted by her father, Hugo never gives her a surname. In the course of the novel, she is mistakenly identified as Ursule, Lark, or Mademoiselle Lanoire.
She is the daughter of Fantine, a working woman who leaves her to be looked after by the Thénardiers, who exploit and victimise her. Rescued by Jean Valjean, who raises Cosette as if she were his own, she grows up in a convent school. She falls in love with Marius Pontmercy, a young lawyer. Valjean's struggle to protect her while disguising his past drives much of the plot until he recognizes "that this child had a right to know life before renouncing it"—and he must allow her romantic attachment to Marius to blossom.
In the novel
Early life
Euphrasie, nicknamed Cosette by her mother, is the illegitimate daughter of Fantine and Félix Tholomyès, a rich student. She is born in Paris c. 1815. Tholomyès abandons Fantine, who leaves three-year-old Cosette with the Thénardiers at their inn in Montfermeil, paying them to care for her child while she works in the city of Montreuil-sur-Mer. Unbeknownst to Fantine, the Thénardiers abuse Cosette while she is under their care. They beat and starve her and force her to perform heavy labor in the inn. Under the Thénardiers' care she is described as "thin and pale", wears rags for clothing, and has chilblains on her hands as well as bruised and reddened skin. She is forced to go barefoot in winter. The narrator also says that "fear was spread all over her".
While Fantine is in the hospital, the mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer—Jean Valjean masquerading as "Madeleine" to avoid revealing that he is a paroled convict—vows to retrieve Cosette for her. Although Fantine dies before seeing her daughter, Valjean becomes determined to look after the young girl.
When he arrives in Montfermeil on Christmas Eve, Valjean finds Cosette fetching a pail of water and accompanies her back to the inn, where he witnesses her mistreatment by the Thénardiers as well as the unkindnesses of their daughters Éponine and Azelma. Valjean leaves the inn and returns with an expensive new doll which he offers to Cosette. At first reluctant, Cosette joyfully accepts it, which infuriates Thénardier; Éponine and Azelma become jealous.
The next morning, Christmas Day, Valjean informs the Thénardiers that he has come to take Cosette with him. Madame Thénardier immediately agrees but Thénardier pretends affection for Cosette and acts reluctant. Valjean pays 1500 francs to settle Fantine's debts and leaves with Cosette. Thénardier tries to swindle more money out of Valjean by saying that he has changed his mind and wants Cosette back, informing Valjean that Cosette's mother had entrusted her to his care and he cannot release her without a note from her mother. Valjean, agreeing with him, hands him a letter signed by Fantine. Thénardier then attempts to order Valjean to return Cosette or to pay a thousand crowns, but Valjean ignores him and leaves with Cosette.
Paris
Valjean takes Cosette to Paris, where they lodge at Gorbeau House; Valjean begins her education. When Inspector Javert discovers Valjean's whereabouts, he and Cosette must flee. Valjean climbs over a wall and they find themselves in a garden attached to a convent. The gardener Fauchelevent recognizes Valjean as the man who rescued him years earlier and agrees to shelter them. Valjean poses as Fauchelevent's brother and says he is Cosette's grandfather. They live peacefully in the convent for many years as Valjean works with Fauchelevent and Cosette attends the convent school. Over time, she appears to have no recollection of her childhood before arriving at the convent. As Cosette matures, beautiful and healthy, with chestnut hair, beautiful eyes, rosy cheeks, pale skin, and a radiant smile, Valjean realizes it would be unfair to allow her to become a nun without having experienced the outside world which a cloistered nun must renounce.
In a later chapter, Cosette eventually remembers her childhood—praying for the mother she never knew; the two ugly Thénardiers, and fetching them water somewhere "very far from Paris". In the same chapter, she asks Valjean about her mother, but he does not answer her question. When Cosette has a dream about her mother as an angel, she remarks that her mother must have been a saint. Valjean replies, "through martyrdom".
Relationship with Marius Pontmercy
Marius sees Cosette for the first time in the Luxembourg Garden. She is fourteen years old, and fresh out of the convent, so he pays little attention to her. After a few months, Marius notices her and sees that she has grown to be an extremely beautiful young woman. Soon Cosette and Marius exchange glances and fall in love. Valjean notices how attentive Marius is to their movements. When he learns that Marius has followed them home and inquired about them, he quickly moves to a more obscure address with Cosette.
Marius spots Cosette again during a charitable visit she and Valjean make to the Thénardiers at Gorbeau House, directly next door to Marius. He asks Éponine to find her address for him, and she reluctantly agrees. After many weeks, Éponine takes Marius to Cosette's new address in order to please Marius. Marius watches Cosette for a few nights before approaching her. When Cosette and Marius finally meet again in the garden, they confess their mutual love, share their first kiss, and introduce themselves. They continue to meet in secret.
Éponine prevents Thénardier, Patron-Minette and Brujon from robbing Valjean and Cosette's house. The same night, Cosette informs Marius that she and Valjean will be departing for England soon. This news devastates them both, because it will mean the end of their relationship. Marius briefly attempts to obtain money and permission to marry from his grandfather to circumvent this issue. Their discussion dissolves into a heated argument stemming from the grandfather's suggestion to "Make her mistress", and Marius storms out.
The next day, Éponine (now dressed as a boy) finds Valjean in an embankment in the Champ de Mars and anonymously throws him a note, which tells him to "move". Valjean considers this in horror for a few days, then informs Cosette they will move to their other house and will be in England in a week. Cosette quickly writes a letter to Marius with this information. She catches sight of Éponine through the gate and asks the "workman" to deliver the letter to Marius. Éponine accepts the letter, but does not deliver it.
Several nights later, Marius is led to the barricades by Éponine, in hope that they will die together. After being fatally shot, Éponine reveals this to Marius and gives him Cosette’s letter before she dies. Marius writes a farewell letter to Cosette, which is delivered to Valjean by Gavroche. Valjean reads Marius’ farewell letter and decides to follow Marius to the barricades. After the battle is over, he takes Marius' unconscious body through the sewers. After, quite literally, dragging Marius through quicksand in the sewer, Valjean finally manages to get Marius through the sewers alive. He is let out by Thénardier, who has a government key and does not recognize him, simply assuming him to be an assassin who killed Marius.
At the exit, he is confronted by Javert, who had pursued Thénardier there and was watching the exit in hopes of catching him. Javert helps Valjean return Marius to his grandfather's house, and Valjean requests to be brought home to say goodbye to Cosette before being sent back to the galleys. Javert allows it, and when Valjean instinctively looks out the window, Javert is gone. It is later revealed that Valjean sparing Javert's life at the barricade had caused a moral paradox and that Javert had committed suicide by jumping into the Seine. After Marius' six-month recovery from his wounds, he is reunited with Cosette.
Wedding and afterwards
On February 16, 1833, Marius and Cosette marry. The next morning, Valjean tells Marius of his criminal past. Marius asks him to leave him and Cosette. He then allows Valjean to visit her each evening, but makes those visits increasingly difficult until Valjean stops coming. While Marius, assuming the worst about Valjean's character, searches for the real origin of Cosette's money, Valjean loses the will to live and becomes bedridden. When Marius learns from Thénardier that he owes his life to Valjean, Marius and Cosette go to Valjean, find him on his deathbed, and reconcile with him. As Marius looks on, Valjean tells Cosette the story of her mother Fantine and how he came to be her guardian. Valjean dies peacefully.
Character role
Critics have often considered Cosette to be something of an empty figure, with no real independent character apart from the role she plays in the lives of others: as an innocent, hopeless child-victim to be exploited (for the Thénardiers); a daughter to be protected (for Fantine and Valjean); and an object of adoration (for Marius). Stephanie Barbé Hammer writes that "Having served her function as a paternalizing figure, Cosette grows up into a silent, beautiful cipher". She has the same, but reverse, role as an object of jealousy and hatred for the villainous characters. As Kathryn M. Grossman remarks, she brings out the "hatred of humanity" that is typical of Hugo's villains. When Madame Thénardier sees that the grown-up Cosette has become a "well-off and radiant young woman, Madame Thénardier responds viscerally, 'I'd like to kick open her belly'."
Cosette is also portrayed as largely sexless. Mario Vargas Llosa says of her relationship to Marius,
Now the love between these two is completely ethereal; the sex drive has been surgically removed so that their relationship can be purely one of feeling. Before the wedding the young people exchange one kiss, which is not repeated because, as the narrator says, neither Marius nor Cosette was aware of the existence of carnal desire.... The dialogue between these two virtuous lovers is as unreal as their amorous behavior. For this reason, the episodes where the two lovers talk to each other are the most artificial moments in the novel.
However, in a novel of symbolism and metaphor, Cosette may also be seen as a symbol of hope in the world of Les Misérables, representing the rise of the oppressed and abused from darkness to a bright future. She is the primary motivation for several characters in the novel to lift themselves out of darkness, regardless of whether or not they succeed. For this reason the picture of her sweeping the inn in the evening is often the image most associated as being singularly representative of the main themes of the book, and is used frequently on the cover.
Adaptations
Main article: Adaptations of Les MisérablesSince the original publication of Les Misérables in 1862, the character of Cosette has been included in many adaptations in various media, including books, films, musicals, plays and games, most notably in the 2007 anime Les Misérables: Shōjo Cosette, in which she rather than Valjean is the central character.
In the musical
See also: Songs from Les Misérables and Synopsis of the musicalThis section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
In the stage musical based on the novel, Cosette is a principal character played by two actresses, a younger female for Montfermeil in 1823 and an older female for Paris in 1832. Hers is considered a soprano role. Her role as an adolescent is condensed while her joy in singing and reading is only implied (specifically in "Castle on the Cloud"). Many other details of her character including her passionate nature ("A Heart Full of Love") are similarly portrayed by implication in the songs she sings.
Other aspects were fully omitted including the conversation between Valjean and Cosette as he helps her carry the water bucket, their stay at Gorbeau House, their avoidance of Javert and their arrival at the Petit-Picpus convent, much of which were later reintroduced in the 2012 film adaptation. The musical also condenses the time between the wedding of Cosette and Marius and their visit to the dying Valjean.
See also
Footnotes
- Victor Hugo, Les Misérables (English language) Kindle Edition, 583)
- Victor Hugo Les Miserables page 382
- Stephanie Barbé Hammer, The Sublime Crime: Fascination, Failure, and Form in Literature of the Enlightenment, Southern Illinois University Press, 1994, p.158
- Kathryn M. Grossman, Figuring Transcendence in Les Miserables: Hugo's Romantic Sublime, Illinois University Press, 1994, p.21.
- Mario Vargas Llosa, The Temptation of the Impossible: Victor Hugo and Les Miserables, Princeton University Press, 2007, p.73.
- Cosette (Character) at the Internet Movie Database
References
- Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. Les Misérables.
- Les Misérables, 11 November 2006 Les Misérables
External links
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- Les Misérables characters
- Child characters in literature
- Child characters in musical theatre
- Female characters in film
- Female characters in literature
- Fictional orphans
- Fictional adoptees
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- Literary characters introduced in 1862
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- Female characters in musical theatre