Les Misérables · Chapter
I: Some Explanations with Regard to the Origin of Gavroche's Poetry explained
Gavroche, a ragged Parisian gamin, joins an insurrection after stealing a pistol from a shop, singing a song as he marches.
What happens
Gavroche, a ragged Parisian gamin, joins an insurrection after stealing a pistol from a shop, singing a song as he marches. The chapter reveals his background: he is a streetwise child who once unknowingly sheltered his own brothers in an elephant statue, but they have since disappeared. He reflects on the wealthy with contempt and continues his journey toward the conflict.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and Social Upheaval
Gavroche's participation in the insurrection and the chaotic flight of the crowd highlight the revolutionary spirit and social unrest of the period.
Social Injustice and Poverty
Gavroche's ragged appearance, his theft of a pistol, and his bitter commentary on the wealthy underscore the poverty and inequality that drive the uprising.
Characters to notice
- Gavroche
The ragged child who steals a pistol and joins the insurrection, singing as he goes. He reflects on his past sheltering of two boys (his brothers) and his disdain for the wealthy.
Key passages
“La nuit on ne voit rien, Le jour on voit très bien, D’un écrit apocryphe Le bourgeois s’ébouriffe, Pratiquez la vertu, Tutu, chapeau pointu!”
At night one sees nothing, by day one sees very well; the bourgeois is ruffled by an apocryphal writing; practice virtue, tutu, pointed hat!
Gavroche's song mocks the bourgeoisie and reflects his rebellious, carefree attitude.
“How fat those moneyed men are! They're drunk! They just wallow in good dinners. Ask 'em what they do with their money. They don't know. They eat it, that's what they do! As much as their bellies will hold.”
Those wealthy men are so fat and drunk, they only care about eating and don't know what to do with their money except consume it greedily.
Gavroche's cynical observation highlights class resentment and the theme of social injustice.