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Mistress Blachevelle Quote by Victor Hugo

“These Oscars bore the names, one of Felix Tholomyes, of Toulouse; the second, Listolier, of Cahors; the next, Fameuil, of Limoges; the last, Blachevelle, of Montauban. Naturally, each of them had his mistress. Blachevelle loved Favourite, so named because she had been in England; Listolier adored…” quote by Victor Hugo
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““These Oscars bore the names, one of Felix Tholomyes, of Toulouse; the second, Listolier, of Cahors; the next, Fameuil, of Limoges; the last, Blachevelle, of Montauban. Naturally, each of them had his mistress. Blachevelle loved Favourite, so named because she had been in England; Listolier adored Dahlia, who had taken for her nickname the name of a flower; Fameuil idolized Zephine, an abridgment of Josephine; Tholomyes had Fantine, called the Blonde, because of her beautiful, sunny hair.””

Victor Hugo

About This Quote

Source Literature: Les Misérables, 1862

The passage lists aristocratic names and their mistresses, illustrating the intertwining of status and personal relationships.

In simple terms: Nobility’s lives were tied to lovers and titles.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how power and intimacy intersect.

Themes

society power relationships

Mood

analytical critical

Type

historical literary

When to use this quote

  • historical study
  • social dynamics
  • character study
  • cultural critique

Key Concepts

historical sociology literary analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do personal relationships shape public reputation?
  • What does this reveal about gender roles of the era?
A Different Perspective

May romanticize flawed aristocracy.

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