# Book X: The 5th of June, 1832 explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

The chapter depicts the outbreak of the Parisian uprising on June 5, 1832, following the funeral of General Lamarque. The city becomes a stage for revolutionary fervor, with barricades being erected and the forces of order mobilizing. The narrative focuses on the gathering of insurgents, the construction of barricades, and the initial confrontations, setting the scene for the larger conflict.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revolution and Social Upheaval

The chapter vividly portrays the eruption of revolutionary energy, the building of barricades, and the clash between the insurgents and the authorities.

### The Human Condition and Fate

The uprising highlights the desperation and hope of the oppressed, as individuals are swept into the tide of history and face uncertain destinies.

## Character check-ins

### Enjolras

Leads the insurrection, directing the construction of barricades and rallying the revolutionaries.

### Gavroche

Active in the streets, participating in the uprising and assisting with barricade building.

### Marius Pontmercy

Drawn into the conflict, joining the insurgents at the barricades.

### Javert

Present as a police inspector, observing and later infiltrating the barricades.

### Thénardier

Lurking in the shadows of the uprising, taking advantage of the chaos.

## Key lines

> The 5th of June, 1832

The date marks the beginning of the Parisian uprising, a pivotal moment in the story.

_Sets the temporal context for the revolutionary events._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-x-the-5th-of-june-1832
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters