In this chapter, Victor Hugo delves deeply into the life of Fantine, a young woman whose journey exemplifies the struggles of the working class and the scourge of poverty. The narrative reveals Fantine’s past, illustrating her initial innocence and happiness when she was in love with a man named Tholomyès. Their relationship, though passionate, was fleeting, and Tholomyès ultimately abandons her, leaving her alone and pregnant.

As a single mother, Fantine becomes the sole provider for her daughter, Cosette. Initially, she tries to support them by working in a factory; however, societal norms and the stigma attached to her status as an unwed mother lead her to hide Cosette’s existence. Faced with financial strain, she is compelled to make a heart-wrenching decision to leave Cosette in the care of the innkeepers, the Thénardiers, who promise to look after her while Fantine works tirelessly to earn money.

The chapter poignantly captures Fantine's descent into despair as she struggles to make ends meet. When she loses her job at the factory due to the revelation of her past, her situation becomes increasingly desperate. In her effort to support Cosette, she resorts to selling her hair and eventually her body. Hugo vividly portrays the degradation and humiliation she faces, emphasizing the harsh realities of poverty that many women endure during this period.

Fantine’s character is a representation of sacrifice and the lengths to which a mother will go for her child. As her health deteriorates and her circumstances worsen, she is forced to confront the brutalities of life without any safety net. The chapter also serves as a critique of society, which fails to protect the vulnerable and instead condemns them to a cycle of suffering.

Throughout this narrative, Hugo not only tells Fantine's story but also highlights broader themes of social injustice, the plight of women, and the failure of society to provide support for those in need. Fantine’s tragic fate is a reflection of the systemic issues that plague society, making her a symbol of the struggles faced by many in the 19th century. The chapter ends on a note of profound sadness, leaving readers to ponder the impact of societal neglect on individuals like Fantine and her unyielding love for Cosette, setting the stage for the intertwining of their fates in the following chapters.