Skip to content

We have both been talking about you. Cosette loves you so…

“We have both been talking about you. Cosette loves you so dearly! You must not forget that you have a chamber here, we want nothing more to do with the Rue de l'Homme Armé. We will have no more of it at all. How could you go to live in a street like that, which is sickly, which is disagreeable…” quote by Victor Hugo
Download Open image
““We have both been talking about you. Cosette loves you so dearly! You must not forget that you have a chamber here, we want nothing more to do with the Rue de l'Homme Armé. We will have no more of it at all. How could you go to live in a street like that, which is sickly, which is disagreeable, which is ugly, which has a barrier at one end, where one is cold, and into one cannot enter? You are to come and install yourself here. And this very day. Or you will have to deal with Cosette. She means to lead us all by the nose, I warn you. You have your own chamber here, it is close to ours, it opens on the garden; the trouble with the clock has been attended to, the bed is made, it is all ready, you have only to take possession of it. Near your bed Cosette has placed a huge, old, easy-chair covered with Utrecht velvet and she has said to it: 'Stretch out your arms to him.' A nightingale comes to the clump of acacias opposite your windows every spring. In two months more you will have it. You will have its nest on your left and ours on your right. By night it will sing, and by day Cosette will prattle. Your chamber faces due South. Cosette will arrange your books for you, your Voyages of Captain Cook and the other,— Vancouver's and all your affairs. I believe that there is a little valise to which you are attached, I have fixed upon a corner of honor for that. You have conquered my grandfather, you suit him. We will live together. Do you play whist? you will overwhelm my grandfather with delight if you play whist. It is you who shall take Cosette to talk on the days when I am at the courts, you shall give her your arm, you know, as you used to, in the Luxembourg. We are absolutely resolved to be happy. And you shall be included in it, in our happiness, do you hear, father? Come, will you breakfast with us to-day?" "Sir," said Jean Valjean, "I have something to say to you. I am an ex-convict.””

Victor Hugo

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A character is offered a comfortable home and companionship, but must confront his past and the expectations of others.

In simple terms: A man is invited to settle and love, yet his history haunts him.

Key Takeaway

Embrace love while acknowledging past burdens.

Themes

redemption family home choice

Mood

hopeful conflicted determined

Type

dialogue dramatic literary

When to use this quote

  • moving into a new home
  • reconnecting with family
  • playing whist
  • accepting responsibility
  • confronting past

Key Concepts

identity social duty acceptance

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you accept comfort at the cost of autonomy?
  • How does past guilt shape present choices?
A Different Perspective

The offer may feel coercive, limiting true freedom.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Victor Hugo

Explore all 2,181 Victor Hugo quotes

More Jean valjean quotes

Browse all 35 Jean valjean quotes