He thought of that heroic Colonel Pontmercy . . . who had left upon every field of victory in Europe drops of that same blood which he, Marius, had in his veins, who had grown grey before his time in discipline and in command, who had lived with his sword-belt buckled, his epaulets falling on his breast, his cockade blackened by powder, his forehead wrinkled by the cap, in the barracks, in the camp, in the bivouac, in the ambulance, and who after twenty years had returned from the great wars with his cheek scarred, his face smiling, simple, tranquil, admirable, pure as a child, having done everything for France and nothing against her.
Marius reflects on Colonel Pontmercy, a heroic figure who fought valiantly across Europe, leaving a legacy of bravery. Before his time, Pontmercy dedicated his life to military discipline, enduring the hardships of war while serving France honorably. Marius sees in the colonel not only a warrior but also a man who remained untainted by the chaos of war, exhibiting a calm and pure demeanor even after two decades of conflict.
This admiration for the colonel highlights Marius's own yearning for connection to his family's past and a sense of pride in the sacrifices made for their country. Pontmercy’s character represents valor and integrity, serving as a guiding example for Marius as he navigates his own identity and values amidst the societal turmoil surrounding him.
