Marius Pontmercy, a pivotal character in Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, chooses to leave the Gorbeau house for two distinct and compelling reasons: the reprehensible viciousness he encountered within its confines and his firm desire to avoid testifying against Thénardier.
Marius's Departure from the Gorbeau Tenement
The Gorbeau tenement, a dilapidated and often sinister dwelling, served as the backdrop for several critical events in Marius's life, including his discovery of the Jondrette family's true identity as the notorious Thénardiers and their criminal activities. The profound experiences he underwent there ultimately compelled him to seek new lodgings.
Key Motivations for Relocation
Marius's decision to move was driven by a combination of moral repulsion and personal conflict.
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Loathing the Witnessed Viciousness:
Marius developed an intense loathing for the Gorbeau tenement itself due to the appalling and brutal acts he had witnessed there. The inherent depravity and danger associated with the building made it an unbearable place for him to continue residing. The atmosphere of crime and malice he observed left a lasting negative impression, making the environment unbearable. -
Unwillingness to Testify Against Thénardier:
A significant factor in Marius's departure was his unwillingness to provide testimony against Thénardier. Despite Thénardier's villainous actions, Marius harbored complex feelings, possibly stemming from Thénardier's earlier (misunderstood) role in saving his father, Colonel Pontmercy, at Waterloo. This personal conflict meant he preferred to distance himself from any legal proceedings involving Thénardier, rather than actively participate in his prosecution.
