5. Fantine’s Sacrifice
Fantine's Sacrifice is a pivotal moment in the story. Fantine is a young, impoverished woman who is forced to leave her daughter, Cosette, in the care of the unscrupulous Thénardiers in order to find work in the city. Despite her best efforts, Fantine struggles to make ends meet and eventually turns to prostitution to support herself and her daughter.
Throughout the novel, Fantine's sacrifice is portrayed as a selfless act of love for her child. Despite the hardships she faces, Fantine remains devoted to Cosette and will do anything to ensure her well-being. Her sacrifice highlights the themes of poverty, social injustice, and the lengths a mother will go to for her child.
As Fantine's health deteriorates, she becomes increasingly desperate to provide for Cosette. Her sacrifice ultimately leads to her tragic demise, but her love for her daughter lives on in the actions of Jean Valjean, who takes in Cosette and cares for her as his own. Fantine's sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of love and selflessness.
Key Points
- Fantine is a young, impoverished woman in Les Misérables.
- She sacrifices her own well-being to provide for her daughter, Cosette.
- Fantine's sacrifice highlights themes of poverty, social injustice, and maternal love.
- Her tragic demise ultimately leads to the care of Cosette by Jean Valjean.
- Fantine's sacrifice serves as a powerful testament to the enduring power of love and selflessness.