To whom does Fantine give Cosette in "Les Miserables"? Explain the details of the transaction. Why does she do this?
1 Answer
Apr 3, 2018
Fantine gives Cosette to the Thenardiers because she needs to go find a job, and she knows finding one will be less likely if she has a child and no husband.
Explanation:
In the early 1800's, women had very specific expectations thrust upon them, and bearing child out of wedlock was strictly taboo. So if word got out that she has never been married but has a child anyway, she would be shunned from most honest work.
Knowing this, Fantine agrees to pay the Thenardiers (shady small-business owners who really shouldn't be trusted) regularly with 50 francs paid in advance. In addition to this, she leaves all of Cosette's clothes with them too.
The End
