Sacrificine In Les Miserables

In the book, Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo, Cosette is a girl who relies on Jean Valjean for everything. She is very dependent and would not know how to survive without him. On the other hand, Eponine is very independent. She is high spirited which has allowed her to escape the wrath of her parents. Eponine is a better companion for Marius than Cosette because of her resilient nature and sacrificial tendencies. Even though Eponine has had a rough childhood and is living in poverty, she has risen above her family and is still a genuine person. Growing up with parents like the Thenardiers, Eponine has not had it easy. As a child, she was spoiled, however, as she grew up her family became poor. The Thenardiers turned to pickpocketing others and doing anything possible for money. In fact, Eponine was often sent as a slave for her father, spying on people. This is evident when she delivers a note to Marius from her father. The note explained their poor situation, and

After leading Marius to the barricade, Eponine realizes that taking him there was not a good idea, so she literally took a bullet to save Marius's life. Marius does not realize that it was Eponine who saved him until she is crawling at his feet. He looks down at her when she says to him, "Did you see the musket aimed at you?" Marius knew what she was talking about and said, "Yes, and a hand which stopped it." Eponine admits that is was her who sacrificed herself to save him when she says, "That was mine" (Hugo 288). Eponine is showing her sacrificial tendencies by giving up her own life in order to save Marius's. She realizes that in order for Marius to be happy he deserves to be with Cosette, so she literally takes a bullet for him. She would rather die alone than not be able to live a life with Marius all the