In the book, Eponine is the perfect example of the theme, ruin of woman by starvation. Her attitude changes throughout the happening of a series of events. When she was smaller she thought that she was the best and there was nothing that could stop her. She followed her parent’s footsteps, which is why she was so bratty with Cosette. She treated her inappropriately “Young Eponine pushes Cosette”(song castle on a cloud). When Eponine was with her parents, instead of out on the streets she would treat Cosette badly. Then in her teenage years, she starts to become a good person, after her parents went to jail. She is out on the streets with nothing to eat and no way of surviving. It is at this point in the novel, when Eponine falls in love with Marius. Marius, at this time is in love with Cosette. This event made Eponine realize how much she loved him and she gave her life for him. “’And then, do you know Monsieur Marius, I believe I was a little in love with you.’ She essayed to smile again and expired.” (Hugo, 190).This quote tells us that since she didn’t have Marius’ love she decided to give up and to give her life for him. Eponine thought she had nothing to loose in her life. At this point in the book, Eponine becomes nice and even gives up her life to be able to save the love of her life. Eponine’s characterization from the beginning is mostly influenced by her parent’s actions. They left her in the streets, which is when she falls in love, and decides that if she isn’t happy at least Marius should be.