# A Cab Runs in English and Barks in Slang explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-a-cab-runs-in-english-and-barks-in-slang
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters