# I: The Flag: Act First explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

As the insurgents wait in tense silence at the barricade, Gavroche arrives with a warning that the troops are approaching. The soldiers advance and demand to know who the insurgents are; Enjolras answers 'The French Revolution!' A volley of gunfire cuts down the red flag. Enjolras calls for a volunteer to raise the flag again, but no one steps forward.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revolution and Social Upheaval

The chapter depicts the insurgents preparing for battle and Enjolras's defiant proclamation of 'The French Revolution' in the face of the advancing army.

### Suffering and Sacrifice

The first volley wounds several men and kills the flag-bearer; Enjolras's call for a volunteer to replant the flag is a call to certain death.

## Character check-ins

### Enjolras

Leads the insurgents at the barricade, gives the defiant answer 'The French Revolution!' and calls for a volunteer to replant the flag.

### Combeferre

Sits with Enjolras near the barricade outlet, listening for the approaching troops.

### Gavroche

Arrives singing a warning song, seizes Javert's gun, and joins the insurgents.

### Courfeyrac

Urges the insurgents to conserve their powder and wait before returning fire.

### Bossuet

Among the forty-three insurgents kneeling inside the large barricade.

### Joly

Among the forty-three insurgents kneeling inside the large barricade.

### Bahorel

Among the forty-three insurgents kneeling inside the large barricade.

### Feuilly

Commands six insurgents stationed at the windows of Corinthe.

## Key lines

> Enjolras replied in a haughty and vibrating tone: 'The French Revolution!'

Enjolras answers the soldiers' challenge with a proud declaration of the revolutionary cause.

_This moment captures the ideological defiance at the heart of the uprising._

> He picked up the flag, which had fallen precisely at his feet. Outside, the clatter of the ramrods in the guns could be heard; the troops were reloading their arms. Enjolras went on: 'Who is there here with a bold heart? Who will plant the flag on the barricade again?' Not a man responded.

Enjolras retrieves the fallen flag and asks for a volunteer to raise it, but the soldiers are reloading and no one dares to step forward.

_The silence after Enjolras's call highlights the gravity of the sacrifice required._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/i-the-flag-act-first
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters