Fantine
Fantine is a fictional character in Victor Hugo's 1862 novel Les Misérables. She is a young orphaned grisette in Paris who becomes pregnant by a rich student. After he abandons her, she is forced to look after their child, Cosette, on her own. Originally a pretty and naïve girl, Fantine is e…
Cosette
Cosette is a fictional character in the novel Les Misérables by Victor Hugo and in the many adaptations of the story for stage, film, and television. Her birth name, Euphrasie, is only mentioned briefly. As the orphaned child of an unmarried mother deserted by her father, Hugo n…
Who is Fantine in Les Misérables?
Jump to navigation Jump to search. Fantine (French pronunciation: [fɑ̃.tin]) is a fictional character in Victor Hugo's 1862 novel Les Misérables. She is a young orphaned grisette in Paris who becomes pregnant by a rich student. After he abandons her, she is forced to look after their child, Cosette, on her own.
What is the focus of the story Fantine?
The true focus, however, is on the life of a young woman named Fantine. Fantine has grown up in poverty; however, she is a great beauty with golden blond hair and white teeth, and her beauty is enhanced by her purity and gentleness. Still, she cannot remain chaste for long.
What does Fantine symbolize in Hugo’s novel?
In this sense, she embodies Hugo’s view that French society demands the most from those to whom it gives the least. Fantine is a poor, working-class girl from the desolate seacoast town of Montreuil-sur-mer, an orphan who has almost no education and can neither read nor write.
How did Fantine get her name?
In fact, the name "Fantine" was given to her by a random passer-by who encountered her when she was a child, and she assumed it. When she turned 15 in 1811, she went to Paris to seek her fortune. By then, Fantine had blossomed into a truly beautiful young woman with blonde hair and fine snowy white teeth.
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What was Fantine's illness?
FantineBorn1796 Montreuil, Pas-de-Calais, First French RepublicDiedFebruary, 1823 (aged 27) Montreuil, Pas-de-Calais, Bourbon Kingdom of FranceCause of DeathTuberculosis/shockFamilyCosette (daughter) unknown name (father) unknown name (mother) Other Marius Pontmercy (son-in-law)9 more rows
Is Fantine based on a true story?
Fantine Was Partly Inspired By A Woman Hugo Freed From The Police. The character of Fantine was clearly based on Victor Hugo's real experience.
Who is the father of Fantine's baby?
Félix TholomyèsFélix Tholomyès is the former lover of Fantine and the biological father of Cosette, though this was never mentioned in the musical.
How old is Fantine in Les Miserables?
Fantine Female, 20s-30s. beautiful young woman; abandoned by her lover, is left to fend for herself and her daughter Cosette. She is a noble and proud character, whose life becomes a series of terrible events that rob her of her pride, character, and ultimately her life. Cosette Female, late teens-20s.
Why did Fantine sell her teeth?
In the acclaimed musical and novel Les Miserables, an unmarried woman named Fantine struggles to support her daughter in 19th century France. Fantine resorts to selling her possessions, her hair, her teeth, and eventually herself in order to send more and more money to the family caring for Cosette.
What does the name Eponine mean?
French Horse GoddessThe name Eponine is primarily a female name of English origin that means French Horse Goddess. Name created by Victor Hugo in his novel "Les Miserables."
Who is Cosette biological father?
Jean ValjeanCosette / FatherJean Valjean is the protagonist of Victor Hugo's 1862 novel Les Misérables. The story depicts the character's struggle to lead a normal life after serving a 19-year-long prison sentence for stealing bread to feed his sister's children during a time of economic depression and various attempts to escape from prison. Wikipedia
What does Cosette symbolize?
However, in a novel of symbolism and metaphor, Cosette may also be seen as a symbol of hope in the world of Les Misérables, representing the rise of the oppressed and abused from darkness to a bright future.
How old was Cosette when she got married?
Cosette: Fantine's daughter who lives as a servant to the Thénardiers, Cosette is rescued by Valjean at age eight and is raised by him in Paris, knowing nothing about her past. At seventeen, she meets and falls in love with Marius, and eventually marries him.
Was Les Misérables a true story?
Valjean's character is loosely based on the life of the ex-convict Eugène François Vidocq. Vidocq became the head of an undercover police unit and later founded France's first private detective agency. He was also a businessman and was widely noted for his social engagement and philanthropy.
What happens to Cosette?
On Christmas of 1823, Cosette is adopted (and saved) by Jean Valjean. Later she grows into a beautiful young girl and marries Marius Pontmercy near the end of the story. She is also one of the few characters to have survived the entire course of the novel and musical.
Is Cosette a French name?
Cosette is a feminine name of French and Greek origins that will sure to have baby reaching for success. Coming from the Greek name Nicolette, it translates to “people of victory,” and is a wonderful choice to inspire baby to strive to win.
Who was the original Fantine?
Patti LuPone - Fantine Patti LuPone played Fantine in the original London cast of Les Mis back in '85. A quote from LuPone's website says "many people have asked why I didn't reprise my role in the Broadway production.
How old is Cosette?
She is fourteen years old, and fresh out of the convent, so he pays little attention to her. After a few months, Marius notices her and sees that she has grown to be an extremely beautiful young woman.
What happens to Cosette in Les Misérables?
On Christmas of 1823, Cosette is adopted (and saved) by Jean Valjean. Later she grows into a beautiful young girl and marries Marius Pontmercy near the end of the story. She is also one of the few characters to have survived the entire course of the novel and musical.
Did Anne Hathaway sing in Les Misérables?
She told a story working on long "Les Miserables" rehearsals with director Tom Hooper. Jackman (Jean Valjean) and Hathaway (Fantine) sang every take live in the film, which would go on to win three Oscars (including best supporting actress for Hathaway, while Jackman was nominated for best actor).
Where was Fantine born?
Fantine was born in Montreuil-sur-Mer, in 1796, but it was never revealed as to who her parents were. In fact, the name "Fantine" was given to her by a random passer-by who encountered her when she was a child, and she just agreed with it, and went by that name from then on. Later, she went to Paris to seek her fortune.
What were Fantine's features?
She was also said to have long, white, and slender fingers. Her two most notable features were her blonde hair and white teeth, to the extent where she was described as having "gold and pearls for her dowry, but the gold was on her hair, and the pearls were in her mouth". However, as she gradually sank into poverty, she was forced to sell her hair and her two front teeth to pay what the Thénardiers said is for Cosette's medicine and clothing.
What is Valjean's illness?
Over time, she becomes fatally ill with tuberculosis. Valjean learns of her situation when Inspector Javert arrests her for attacking a man called Bamatabois who called her insulting names and threw snow down her front and sends her to a hospital. She spends several weeks in the hospital, delirious and thinking of her daughter. Valjean promises to look after Cosette in her place. Later, when Javert confronts Valjean in her hospital room, her illness has made her so weak that she dies of shock after Javert reveals that Valjean is really a prisoner and has not brought Cosette to her (after the doctor encouraged that incorrect belief that Valjean's recent absence was because he was bringing her daughter to her). After Valjean's escape, Fantine is buried in a mass grave.
What did Fantine tell Valjean?
Fantine appeared to Valjean as he passed away, praising him for keeping his promise of raising Cosette with love, and told him that she would take him to Heaven. Fantine doesn't know how to write, but she occasionally teaches herself how.
Why did Fantine go to Paris?
Later, she went to Paris to seek her fortune. By then, Fantine had blossomed into a truly beautiful young girl with blonde hair and fine snowy white teeth. She is abandoned by her lover, Félix Tholomyès when she is twenty. Subsequently, she is unable to take care of her daughter, Euphraise.
What is Fantine's physical appearance?
In the beginning, Fantine was a ravishingly beautiful young girl who could be compared to a Greek Goddess: thick, long, slightly wavy blonde tresses, delicate features, deep blue eyes with long dark eyelashes, rosy lips, splendid white teeth, a statuesque physique, and small arched feet.
Who took care of Fantine?
Fantine was taken care of by Sister Simplice while she was sick, and though the nuns initially disapproved of her due to her being a prostitute, they later changed their opinion of her when it becomes evident how much she truly loved her daughter.
Why is Fantine's misfortune caused?
Although all of Fantine’s misfortunes are caused by the callousness or greed of others , society always holds her accountable for her behavior.
What does Hugo highlight in his description of Fantine's life and death?
In his descriptions of Fantine’s life and death, Hugo highlights the unfair attitude of French society toward women and the poor. Fantine’s fellow citizens criticize her for her behavior and depravity, but they also take every opportunity to make her circumstances even more desperate.
Why did Fantine get fired?
Fantine is inevitably betrayed by the people she does trust: Tholomyès gets her pregnant and then disappears; the Thénardiers take Cosette and use the child to extort more money; and Fantine’s coworkers have her fired for indecency.
What does Hugo's portrayal of Fantine's mistreatment mean?
Hugo’s portrayal of Fantine’s mistreatment distinguishes the honest, hardworking poor from the parasitic opportunism of the working-class Thénardiers. By juxtaposing Fantine with the Thénardiers, Hugo suggests that poverty does not necessarily equal indecency.
What chapter does Fantine think of Cosette?
Chapter 8 The ability to earn her keep makes Fantine enormously happy, and she thinks only of Cosette and their future. She writes often, which... (full context)
How many hours does Fantine work?
Fantine works 17 hours a day for nearly nothing. She feels hunted, and finally, when Thenardier... (full context)
What does Fantine stop before the vision of the two swinging girls?
Fantine had stopped before the vision of the two swinging girls and noticed how happy they... (full context) After a night spent at the inn, Fantine leaves in the morning, weeping. Thenardier (the husband) congratulates his wife, saying that he lacked... (full context)
Who laughs hysterically in the movie "Fantine"?
As the soldiers drag Fantine back up, the mayor—having slipped in without anyone’s notice—asks for a moment. Fantine laughs hysterically... (full context)
What chapter does Fantine only have eyes for Tholomyes?
Chapter 4 The other girls are open to the kisses of all the boys, but Fantine only has eyes for Tholomyes. After breakfast the party goes to see a newly arrived... (full context)
Who is Victor Hugo's love story?
Victor Hugo's tale of injustice, heroism, and love follows the fortunes of Jean Valjean, an escaped convict determined to put his criminal past behind him, and has been a perennial favorite since it first appeared over 150 years ago . This exciting new translation with Jillian Tamaki's brilliant cover art will be a gift both to readers who have already fallen for its timeless story and to new readers discovering it for the first time.
Who is Jean Valjean?
Jean Valjean, a Frenchman imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a police officer named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France.
Who is Fantine's friend?
Still, she cannot remain chaste for long. She has taken up with a young man named Félix Tholomyés, and her friends Dahlia, Favourite, and Zephine date his companions. Tholomyés is a student in Paris, and known for both his rude humor and his dedication to a life of indulgence.
Who is the sister of the king of Digne?
He arrived at Digne accompanied by his sister, Mademoiselle Baptistine. She is tall, thin, and illuminated by the goodness of her spirit. They are joined by their servant Madame Magliore, a busy and pragmatic older woman who dotes on the siblings.
What does Myriel tell Valjean before sending him on his way?
Before sending Valjean on his way, Myriel tells him that he must use these funds to make himself a honest man, for Myriel has bought Valjean's soul from evil and given it to God. Valjean encounters a little boy flipping a coin, and unthinkingly steals the coin from him.
Where does Valjean go when Myriel disappears?
Valjean waits until the household is asleep, and then goes to the cabinet where the silver items are stored and empties them into his knapsack, sneaking out of the house. Myriel is unfazed when the theft of the silver and Valjean's sudden disappearance are discovered the next morning.
How many years has Valjean lost?
He has lost nineteen years of his life for this small theft and escape attempts fed by desperation. By the time he is released, most of his life has passed him by. Even after meeting Bishop Myriel, Valjean's choice to lead a life of goodness is not an easy one.
Why does Myriel act coldly towards the dying revolutionary?
Still, Myriel is no caricature; he acts coldly towards the dying revolutionary, perhaps because this man participated in the violent uprising that destroyed Myriel's family and caused thousands of deaths in France.
Who is Fantine's mother?
While resting, Fantine sees two girls playing happily in front of a tavern. She makes conversation with their mother, a woman named Madame Thénardier. Fantine eventually begs Mme. Thénardier to look after Cosette while Fantine looks for work.
Who does Fantine fall in love with?
Whereas the other women are more experienced in the ways of the world, Fantine falls head over heels in love with Tholomyès and makes him her first lover. One day, Tholomyès proposes to the other four men that they play a trick on their mistresses.
Novel
- Fantine was born in Montreuil-sur-Mer in 1796, but her parents are unknown even to her. In fact, …
She is abandoned by her lover, Félix Tholomyès in 1817. Subsequently, she is unable to take care of her d
Physical Appearance
- In the beginning, Fantine was a ravishingly beautiful young girl who could be compared to a Greek Goddess: thick, long, slightly wavy blonde tresses, delicate features, deep blue eyes with long dark eyelashes, rosy lips, splendid white teeth, a statuesque physique, and small arched feet. She was also said to have long, white, and slender fingers. Her two most notable features were her blond…
Trivia
- Fantine is the name of the first volume of the novel Les Misérables.
The Polish form of her name is "Fantyna". - So far, Laurie Beechman and Minako Honda (who was originally going to play Fantine in 2005) a…
Fantine initially hated Valjean due to his foreman sending her away, but was later full of gratitude towards him for his attempts to make amends after learning of her full story, and she even addressed him as a Messenger of God when he assu
Musical
- Act I
Valjean's Death
External Links
- Fantine's Wikipedia page
Gallery
- _2
1998 Movie[] 2018 mini series[] Lily Collins as Fantine Fantine and Felix Fantine and baby Cosette Fantine and little Cosette 2000 Mini Series[] Charlotte Gainsburg, 2000 mini series Other Films[] Evelyne Bouix, 1982 film Angela Pleasence, 1978 film Daniele Delorme, 1958 film Sylvia Sy…