Les Misérables · Chapter
A Group Which Barely Missed Becoming Historic explained
This chapter introduces the Friends of the A.B.C., a secret society of young revolutionaries in Paris, and profiles its key members: Enjolras, Combeferre, Jean Prouvaire, Feuilly, Courfeyrac, and others.
What happens
This chapter introduces the Friends of the A.B.C., a secret society of young revolutionaries in Paris, and profiles its key members: Enjolras, Combeferre, Jean Prouvaire, Feuilly, Courfeyrac, and others. It describes the political and intellectual ferment of the era, the group's meeting places (the Café Musain and the wine-shop Corinthe), and the distinct personalities and ideals of each member, setting the stage for their future involvement in revolutionary events.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and Social Upheaval
The chapter centers on the revolutionary quiver in the air, the formation of secret societies like the Friends of the A.B.C., and the characters' dedication to overthrowing the established order.
The Human Condition and Fate
The chapter explores the transformation of youth and the movement of souls, with characters like Enjolras and Combeferre embodying different aspects of the human struggle for justice and meaning.
Social Injustice and Poverty
Feuilly's background as a poor workingman and his advocacy for oppressed nations highlight themes of poverty and social injustice.
Characters to notice
- Enjolras
Described as the leader, an only son and wealthy, angelically handsome, with a passion for the right and a single thought to overthrow obstacles. He is severe, chaste, and represents the logic of the Revolution.
- Combeferre
Represents the philosophy of the Revolution, complementing Enjolras. He is broader, more humane, and desires revolution with civilization, reading widely and attending lectures.
- Jean Prouvaire
A poet and scholar who loves flowers, music, and the people. He is learned in multiple languages and prefers immense poetry, studying social questions by day and contemplating planets by night.
- Feuilly
A workingman and fan-maker, orphaned, who educated himself and has a generous heart. He represents the outside world, focusing on oppressed nations like Greece, Poland, and Italy.
- Courfeyrac
Mentioned as a principal member of the Friends of the A.B.C., with a father named M. de Courfeyrac, indicating his bourgeois background.
- Bossuet
Listed among the principal members as Lesgle or Laigle, noted as the only one not from the South.
- Joly
Listed among the principal members of the Friends of the A.B.C.
- Grantaire
Listed among the principal members of the Friends of the A.B.C.
Key passages
“At that epoch, which was, to all appearances indifferent, a certain revolutionary quiver was vaguely current.”
During that seemingly calm period, there was an underlying revolutionary restlessness in the air.
Sets the historical context of the chapter.
“The Friends of the A.B.C. were not numerous, it was a secret society in the state of embryo, we might almost say a coterie, if coteries ended in heroes.”
The Friends of the A.B.C. were a small, embryonic secret society, almost a clique, but one that could produce heroes.
Describes the nature and potential of the group.
“Enjolras was a charming young man, who was capable of being terrible. He was angelically handsome. He was a savage Antinous.”
Enjolras was both charming and terrifying, with an angelic beauty that masked a fierce, savage nature.
Characterizes Enjolras's dual nature.
