Les Misérables · Chapter
Gavroche on the March explained
Gavroche marches through the streets of Paris, brandishing a triggerless pistol and singing revolutionary songs.
What happens
Gavroche marches through the streets of Paris, brandishing a triggerless pistol and singing revolutionary songs. He encounters a group of gossiping old women in the Rue de Thorigny, including three portresses and a ragpicker, who criticize him and discuss politics. Gavroche responds with defiance and humor, then continues on his way, expressing a brief moment of melancholy about his pistol before showing compassion for a gaunt poodle.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and Social Upheaval
Gavroche's march and revolutionary songs embody the spirit of insurrection and the call to overthrow despotism.
Social Injustice and Poverty
The ragpicker's humble profession and the gossips' complaints about high meat prices and poor refuse heaps highlight the struggles of the poor.
Characters to notice
- Gavroche
Marches through the streets with a triggerless pistol, singing the Marseillaise and shouting revolutionary slogans. He mocks the gossiping women and shows compassion for a poodle.
Key passages
“All goes well. I suffer a great deal in my left paw, I’m all broken up with rheumatism, but I’m satisfied, citizens.”
Despite his physical ailments, Gavroche is cheerful and ready to fight.
Gavroche's defiant optimism in the face of personal hardship.
“Old ladies, what do you mean by talking politics?”
Gavroche interrupts the gossiping women to mock their political chatter.
Gavroche's irreverent attitude toward the older generation's concerns.
“You’re in the wrong to insult the revolutionists, Mother Dust-Heap-Corner. This pistol is in your interests. It’s so that you may have more good things to eat in your basket.”
Gavroche justifies his revolutionary actions by claiming they will improve the ragpicker's lot.
Gavroche's belief that revolution benefits the poor.