Les Misérables · Chapter
The Flag: Act Second explained
In this chapter, the elderly M.
What happens
In this chapter, the elderly M. Mabeuf, who had been silently present in the wine-shop, suddenly rises and takes the red flag from Enjolras. He ascends the barricade steps, proclaims 'Long live the Revolution! Long live the Republic! Fraternity! Equality! and Death!', and is shot down by the National Guard. His death inspires the insurgents, and Enjolras declares the old man's body and the bloodied flag as their new standard.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and Social Upheaval
Mabeuf's martyrdom and Enjolras's rallying cry embody the spirit of revolutionary sacrifice and the fight for the Republic.
Suffering and Sacrifice
Mabeuf's voluntary death for the cause exemplifies ultimate sacrifice, transforming his body into a symbol of the barricade's defiance.
Characters to notice
- M. Mabeuf
The elderly book collector who silently joins the insurgents, takes the flag, and is killed while proclaiming the Republic.
- Enjolras
Leader of the insurgents; he initially holds the flag, then honors Mabeuf's sacrifice and declares the dead man's coat the new flag.
- Courfeyrac
Insurgent who identifies Mabeuf to Enjolras, noting that Mabeuf was not a regicide but a 'brave blockhead'.
- Javert
Bound to a post in the taproom during the events, observed by a single insurgent.
Key passages
“This aged man is august in the eyes of his country. He has had a long life and a magnificent death!”
Enjolras declares that Mabeuf's long life and heroic death make him a figure of national reverence.
Enjolras elevates Mabeuf's sacrifice to a patriotic and inspirational act.
“This is our flag now.”
Enjolras proclaims Mabeuf's bloodied coat as the new banner of the insurrection.
The flag becomes a symbol of martyrdom and the revolution's cause.