How we cite our quotes: (Part.Book.Chapter.Line)
Quote #4
Jean Valjean was the more unhappy of the two. Youth, whatever its griefs, still has its consolations. (4.3.8.1)
When Jean Valjean and Cosette have to go through difficult times—like leaving yet another snug little nest because Javert keeps popping up—Jean Valjean is the one who really gets bummed. It's hard to be depressed for too long when you're young and beautiful, know what we mean?
Quote #5
Youth and springtime, her love for her father, the brightness of birds and flowers, were by gradual degrees fostering in that young and virginal spirit something akin to forgetfulness." (4.5.1.1)
Sure, Cosette misses Marius, but she can be easily distracted by other things, like birds and flowers. If only it were this easy for the rest of us to forget the …. Oh wait, was that a squirrel that just ran by?
Quote #6
"Pity indeed! A youth your age asking pity of a man aged ninety-one! You're beginning life and I'm leaving it. (4.8.7.45)
When Marius asks his grandfather for mercy, the man rolls his eyes at the fact that he has so much power over a young man in the prime of his life. Gillenormand is getting close to a hundred and Marius is barely past twenty—Marius should be the one pitying Gillenormand, and not the other way around. Well, that's easy to say when you're the one controlling the family fortune.