# Book I: The War Between Four Walls explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

This chapter sets the stage for the June 1832 uprising in Paris, detailing the political and social tensions leading to the rebellion. It introduces the barricade as a symbol of resistance and the characters who will participate in the conflict, including Enjolras and his fellow revolutionaries.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revolution and Social Upheaval

The chapter vividly depicts the build-up to and the initial stages of the June 1832 rebellion, highlighting the revolutionary fervor and the clash between the people and the state.

### Suffering and Sacrifice

The revolutionaries are portrayed as willing to sacrifice their lives for a greater cause, emphasizing the personal cost of political struggle.

## Character check-ins

### Enjolras

Leader of the revolutionary students, central figure in organizing the barricade.

### Marius Pontmercy

Present at the barricade, torn between his love for Cosette and his revolutionary ideals.

### Gavroche

The street urchin who actively participates in building the barricade and later in the fighting.

### Combeferre

A key revolutionary, known for his philosophical and practical contributions to the uprising.

### Grantaire

A skeptical but loyal follower of Enjolras, present at the barricade.

## Key lines

> The insurrection had a sort of epic grandeur.

The uprising was seen as a grand, heroic struggle.

_Reflects the romanticized view of the rebellion._

> The barricade was a fortress of the people.

The barricade served as a stronghold for the common people.

_Symbolizes the people's resistance against authority._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-i-the-war-between-four-walls
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters