# An Attempt to Console the Widow Hucheloup explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

The chapter depicts the frenzied construction of barricades in the Rue de la Chanvrerie, led by Enjolras, Combeferre, and Courfeyrac. Amid the chaos, Courfeyrac attempts to console the terrified Widow Hucheloup by framing the destruction as revenge for her fines. Gavroche energetically assists, demanding a gun and inspiring the workers, while a motley crew of insurgents prepares munitions and makes lint. The barricades take shape, and the atmosphere is one of desperate fraternity and revolutionary fervor.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revolution and Social Upheaval

The chapter vividly portrays the chaotic construction of barricades and the fervent spirit of insurrection, highlighting the theme of revolutionary action.

### The Human Condition and Fate

The motley crew of insurgents, driven by poverty and hope, exemplifies the human condition in the face of peril, with a sense of fraternity among strangers.

## Character check-ins

### Courfeyrac

Attempts to console the Widow Hucheloup by framing the barricade as revenge for her fines; helps direct the construction.

### Enjolras

Directs the construction of the barricades alongside Combeferre and Courfeyrac; refuses Gavroche's request for a gun.

### Combeferre

Assists Enjolras and Courfeyrac in directing the barricade construction; denies Gavroche a gun.

### Gavroche

Works on the larger barricade with boundless energy, demanding a gun and encouraging the workers; engages in banter with Enjolras.

### Bahorel

Expresses ecstasy over the barricade, shouting about the street's appearance.

### Father Hucheloup

The widowed proprietress of the Corinthe wine-shop; is consoled by Courfeyrac but remains confused about the benefit of the destruction.

### Gibelotte

One of the women in the wine-shop, terrified and making lint with Mame Hucheloup and Matelote.

### Matelote

One of the women in the wine-shop, terrified and making lint with Mame Hucheloup and Gibelotte.

## Key lines

> Bahorel, in ecstasies over the barricade, shouted:— 'Here’s the street in its low-necked dress! How well it looks!'

Bahorel, thrilled by the barricade, exclaims that the street looks beautiful in its exposed state.

_Bahorel's poetic enthusiasm for the barricade reflects the romanticized view of revolution._

> Courfeyrac, as he demolished the wine-shop to some extent, sought to console the widowed proprietress.

Courfeyrac tries to comfort the widow Hucheloup while partially tearing down her wine-shop.

_Courfeyrac's attempt at consolation highlights the tension between revolutionary destruction and personal loss._

> Gavroche, completely carried away and radiant, had undertaken to get everything in readiness.

Gavroche, full of joy and energy, took charge of preparing everything.

_Gavroche's radiant activity underscores his role as a spirited catalyst in the uprising._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-an-attempt-to-console-the-widow-hucheloup
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters