# III: The Eighteenth of June, 1815 explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

This chapter provides a detailed historical account of the Battle of Waterloo, focusing on the strategic plans of Napoleon and the critical role of weather—specifically the rain on the night of June 17–18, 1815—in delaying the battle and allowing Prussian reinforcements under Blücher to arrive. The narrator reflects on Napoleon's genius as an artillery commander, the impact of the wet ground on his plans, and the broader implications of the battle for Europe's fate, while also questioning whether Napoleon's abilities had declined with age.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Human Condition and Fate

The chapter emphasizes how a small natural event—rain—altered the course of history, highlighting the role of fate and chance in human affairs.

### Revolution and Social Upheaval

Waterloo represents a pivotal moment of social and political upheaval, ending Napoleon's ambitions and reshaping Europe's order.

## Key lines

> If it had not rained in the night between the 17th and the 18th of June, 1815, the fate of Europe would have been different.

The rain on the night before the battle was a decisive factor that changed the outcome for all of Europe.

_Highlights the theme of fate and the impact of seemingly minor events._

> All this was contained in that battle, according to Napoleon. Afterwards people would see.

Napoleon believed his plan for the battle would achieve everything, and the results would speak for themselves later.

_Reflects Napoleon's confidence and strategic vision._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iii-the-eighteenth-of-june-1815
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters