lesamisde-labc

[lesamisde-labc]

This chapter is primarily Hugo’s Opinions, but some of them are interesting, so I want to try to comment on them.

The chapter as a whole is a criticism of corruption/a focus on status in the Catholic Church (which the bishop is outside of and is, consequently, unpopular with many other churchmen). This section summarizes much of his critique:

“The priest is nowadays the only man who can become a king in a regular manner; and what a king! the supreme king. Then what a nursery of aspirations is a seminary! How many blushing choristers, how many youthful abbés bear on their heads Perrette’s pot of milk! Who knows how easy it is for ambition to call itself vocation? in good faith, perchance, and deceiving itself, devotee that it is.”

On the one hand, Hugo recognizes that the Church can seem to be the only legitimate avenue of social advancement, as anyone can theoretically rise to prominence within it. (Of course, given the emphasis that Hugo places on priests in court, those from a wealthy background were probably more likely to succeed in this; I don’t know a lot about the Church in this time, but I’d imagine that “advancement” is less likely to be “peasant to pope” and more “minor noble or well-off bourgeois to pope”). At the same time, entering a profession like the priesthood – which is supposed to be about serving God – for these reasons is inherently suspect, as it trains one’s focus on the material over the spiritual. As many churchmen retain this focus, it isn’t something initiates learn to reject, but rather something that’s encouraged as they learn to flatter others for better positions.

However, Hugo expands his criticism to a broader social phenomenon: equating success (high social status) with merit.

“Be it said in passing, that success is a very hideous thing. Its false resemblance to merit deceives men.”

Success does not inherently equal merit, but Hugo points out a more insidious aspect of this equation:

“Prosperity argues capacity. Win in the lottery, and behold! you are a clever man. He who triumphs is venerated. Be born with a silver spoon in your mouth! everything lies in that.”

While it’s true that an ordinary person can become “successful” (i.e. wealthy) through a stroke of luck (the lottery), the luck that determines success typically happens much earlier: at birth. Someone born with that “silver spoon” will already have a respected position (whether as a noble, a merchant, etc), but will also have the resources to change their position (for example, leisure time to study, a social network that fosters business connections, and so on). Even without doing so, they’re respected, because they’ve already inherited their wealth/title. Thus, praising one’s “success” could merely be admiring material things that one has possessed since birth, not through anything innate to them.

[lesamisde-labc]

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it!

To those who don’t, have a wonderful day. I hope you have fun.

-Eponine

[lesamisde-labc]

No, I don’t have a secret monarchist brother. I don’t have any brothers. Grantaire, I’m blocking you. 

-Enjolras 

Casting Announcement

We will be casting an all-new ami from a previously undiscovered manuscript: Covfefe!

Cofeve is Enjolras’s secret monarchist brother who intervenes with the revolution and turns France into a police state by the turn of the century. In cahoots with Thenardier, he successfully runs for office, tweeting his plans for the end of mankind as we know it.

-R

[lesamisde-labc]

Casting Announcement

We will be casting an all-new ami from a previously undiscovered manuscript: Covfefe!

Covfefe is Enjolras’s secret monarchist brother who intervenes with the revolution and turns France into a police state by the turn of the century. In cahoots with Thenardier, he successfully runs for office, tweeting his plans for the end of mankind as we know it.

-R

[lesamisde-labc]

Was it only Jehan who watched Eurovision or did any of the others? Did you all enjoy it? What did you think about it?

Quite a few of us watched it! I went to a screening with some uni friends, and it was so fun (although I now have glitter everywhere) and…. I accidentally went to get a drink during portugal’s song…. but it seemed good when he sang after winning so…. it’s fine. But yeah, such a great night! (Thought the “celebrating diversity” was a bit of a reach though) ~bossuet

[lesamisde-labc]

LISTEN KIDS -

I AM GAY AND EUROPEAN AND EUROVISION IS TONIGHT!

- Jehan

[lesamisde-labc]

literally everyone has been saying penguin so I must resign myself to my fate 🐧✊ (and honestly I'm not mad at it)

- Bahorel

What are your patronuses? Patroni? No idea of what the plural is.....

A fox. Come to your own conclusions about that ;)

- Jehan

[lesamisde-labc]

Are you guys gonna have an Azelma? Just thinking that it would be cool! 😌

(I'll answer both your asks here)I dont think we will have an azlema but we havent really discussed it. That may change i guess but its unlikely.We discussed having montparnasse but we felt ultimately it would change the dynamic and we don't want to then have to get the rest of the patron minette involved. Also I have stated that (as jehan) I would feel uncomfortable acting out Jehanparnasse and thats a big reason people want to see him so (shrug emoji). It doesn't look like it in the nesr future but i guess who knows.Xxx- mod L

[lesamisde-labc]

Mine's a golden retriever! Which I think is pretty fitting seeing as they're my favourite dogs.

--Marius

What are your patronuses? Patroni? No idea of what the plural is.....

A fox. Come to your own conclusions about that ;)

- Jehan

[lesamisde-labc]

I’m an owl which combines the idea of wisdom and freedom through flight together very well as well as being specialised hunters and I think they’re pretty cool

- Combeferre

What are your patronuses? Patroni? No idea of what the plural is.....

A fox. Come to your own conclusions about that ;)

- Jehan

[lesamisde-labc]

I’m a lark! :)

~ Cosette

What are your patronuses? Patroni? No idea of what the plural is.....

A fox. Come to your own conclusions about that ;)

- Jehan

[lesamisde-labc]

Mine’s a wolf, I think that fits pretty well. 

-Eponine

What are your patronuses? Patroni? No idea of what the plural is.....

A fox. Come to your own conclusions about that ;)

- Jehan

[lesamisde-labc]

Young german shepherd apparently, I like it!

- Gavroche

What are your patronuses? Patroni? No idea of what the plural is.....

A fox. Come to your own conclusions about that ;)

- Jehan

[lesamisde-labc]

Mine is a manul! Fluffy yet terrifying. ♡

Joly is an otter, which is just adorable.

- Chetta

What are your patronuses? Patroni? No idea of what the plural is.....

A fox. Come to your own conclusions about that ;)

- Jehan

[lesamisde-labc]

Lion!!! 🦁 -Enjolras

What are your patronuses? Patroni? No idea of what the plural is.....

A fox. Come to your own conclusions about that ;)

- Jehan

[lesamisde-labc]

What are your patronuses? Patroni? No idea of what the plural is.....

A fox. Come to your own conclusions about that ;)- Jehan

[lesamisde-labc]

Gavroche is a strong independent idiot who doesn't need the help of his friends. - an amused and slightly worried Chetta