Let us discuss! Here are prompts for all the chapters read this week. Let these questions inspire your discussion but don't feel limited!

Note that spoiler markings don't appear on mobile, so please use the weekly spoiler topic, which will be posted every Saturday, if you would like to discuss later events.

1. Valjean seems to be continuing his life of generosity and charity, donating five thousand francs to the convent for five years of Cosette’s education, and saving Toussaint from hospital (i.e. from extreme poverty) and employing her. Any thoughts on this?
2. In this nugget of a chapter we learn more about their solitary living. Cosette lives lavishly but is taught to care for those less fortunate. Valjean lives seperately from her and much more modestly. This dynamic of living seems interesting, do you believe Cosette may be too sheltered?
3. Did you enjoy the way Hugo described the garden?
4. What do you think about Cosette's attachment and deep love toward Valjean, given what we (as readers) know about him and his past? What do you think about Hugo's assertion that all the nuns and Valjean could not take the place of a mother in Cosette's formation as a woman?
5. Did this chapter impact your feelings towards Cosette? Do you find her more or less likeable, relatable, etc?
6. In this chapter, we see Cosette’s point of view when she met Marius. Apparently she is just as enthralled with him and he is with her. What is your reaction? Edit to add: Also, does your opinion of Marius change knowing that though he came off as a crazy stalker weirdo, she's just as into him?
7. This situation from Valjean's view is hilarious: "Jean Valjean laid a host of ambushes for him; he changed his hour, he changed his bench, he forgot his handkerchief, he came alone to the Luxembourg." Does this make up for the ridiculousness of Marius/the "romance" for you?
8. Any other thoughts?