☝️ Key Points
- Thénardier presents himself as the best host, charming his guests even though he is only interested in their money.
- He manipulates his guests' perception by mixing water in the wine and getting them drunk.
- Thénardier takes his guests' jewelry and valuables when they can no longer think clearly.
- The chorus praises him as the lord of the house that no one can ignore, while Madame Thénardier considers him a bastard.
- The song lyrics show how Thénardier deceives and exploits his guests to make money.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song "I am the master of the house" from
Les Misérables describe the personality and machinations of the innkeeper Thénardier. He presents himself as the best innkeeper in town, who charms his guests with charm and flattery. He claims to be an honorable man who loves his guests, although he is actually only interested in their money. Thénardier enjoys being the host and tries to manipulate and exploit his guests.
The lyrics describe different methods that Thénardier uses to make his guests spend more money. He adds water to the wine to make them drunk and cloud their perception. He takes their jewelry and valuables when they can no longer think clearly. Thénardier is willing to do anything to satisfy his guests, but he always has the last word.
The chorus supports Thénardier and praises him as the master of the house that no one can ignore. They describe him as a charming fox appreciated by everyone. However, Madame Thénardier, his wife, has a different opinion of him. She is frustrated by his lies and manipulations and considers him a bastard. She is disappointed to have married a guy like Thénardier instead of a prince.
The lyrics of the song show how Thénardier deceives and exploits his guests to make money. He manipulates their perception and takes away their possessions. The other characters have different opinions about him, but in the end they all raise their glasses to the master of the house.