Les Misérables · Chapter
Gavroche Would Have Done Better to Accept Enjolras’ Carbine explained
After Father Mabeuf is killed, his body is carried into the taproom.
What happens
After Father Mabeuf is killed, his body is carried into the taproom. Enjolras warns Javert that he will be next. Gavroche spots approaching guards and alerts the others. A fierce struggle ensues as municipal guards breach the barricade, killing Bahorel and wounding Courfeyrac. Gavroche tries to shoot a giant guard with Javert's unloaded gun, but Marius arrives and shoots two guards, saving Gavroche and Courfeyrac.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Sacrifice
Father Mabeuf's death and the violent defense of the barricade highlight the cost of the revolution.
Revolution and Social Upheaval
The barricade battle exemplifies the chaos and violence of revolutionary struggle.
Characters to notice
- M. Mabeuf
Killed; his body is carried into the taproom by six men.
- Enjolras
Leads the defense; tells Javert his turn is coming.
- Javert
Impassive prisoner; Enjolras threatens him.
- Gavroche
On guard; spots the approaching guards and tries to shoot with Javert's unloaded gun.
- Marius Pontmercy
Arrives at the barricade and shoots two guards, saving Gavroche and Courfeyrac.
Key passages
“They threw a long black shawl of Widow Hucheloup’s over Father Mabeuf. Six men made a litter of their guns; on this they laid the body, and bore it, with bared heads, with solemn slowness, to the large table in the taproom.”
Father Mabeuf's body is covered with a shawl and carried on a makeshift stretcher of guns to a table in the tavern.
The respectful treatment of Mabeuf's corpse amid the battle.
“When the corpse passed near Javert, who was still impassive, Enjolras said to the spy:— “It will be your turn presently!””
As the body is carried past Javert, Enjolras warns him that he will be killed next.
Enjolras's threat to Javert.
“The urchin took in his arms Javert’s immense gun, levelled it resolutely at the giant, and fired. No discharge followed. Javert’s gun was not loaded.”
Gavroche grabs Javert's large gun and aims at the giant guard, but it doesn't fire because it's unloaded.
Gavroche's failed attempt to shoot the guard.
“Before the bayonet had touched Gavroche, the gun slipped from the soldier’s grasp, a bullet had struck the municipal guardsman in the centre of the forehead, and he fell over on his back.”
Just as the guard is about to stab Gavroche, a bullet hits him in the forehead and he falls dead.
Marius's intervention saves Gavroche.