Les Misérables · Chapter
A Cab Runs in English and Barks in Slang explained
On June 3, 1832, Marius goes to the Rue Plumet, followed by Éponine, who guards the garden gate.
What happens
On June 3, 1832, Marius goes to the Rue Plumet, followed by Éponine, who guards the garden gate. Later, six criminals—Thénardier, Claquesous, Guelemer, Babet, Brujon, and Montparnasse—arrive to break in, but Éponine confronts them, claiming the house is empty and threatening to scream for help. After a tense standoff, Brujon decides to abandon the plan, and the gang disperses.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Compassion
Éponine's protective actions toward Marius and the house demonstrate her selfless love, even at risk to herself.
Social Injustice and Poverty
The gang's attempt to rob the house highlights the desperation and criminality born from poverty and social marginalization.
Characters to notice
- Marius Pontmercy
Marius visits the Rue Plumet garden at nightfall, unaware he is being followed by Éponine.
- Éponine
Éponine follows Marius, guards the garden gate, and confronts her father and his gang to prevent their burglary.
- Thénardier
Thénardier leads the gang attempting to break into the house, but is stopped by Éponine.
- Montparnasse
Montparnasse is part of the gang and threatens violence, but ultimately leaves with the others.
- Brujon
Brujon, the oracle of the gang, decides to abandon the plan after Éponine's intervention.
- Babet
Babet is among the six criminals, noting a light in the house, but leaves after Brujon's decision.
Key passages
“She seated herself on the underpinning of the railing, close beside the bar, as though she were guarding it.”
Éponine sat on the base of the fence near the loose bar, acting as a sentinel.
Éponine's protective stance foreshadows her role in preventing the burglary.
“I'm no longer surprised that he comes here every evening.”
A passerby hears Éponine muttering that she now understands why Marius visits nightly.
This reveals Éponine's awareness of Marius's routine and her jealousy.