# Gavroche's Excess of Zeal explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Gavroche, while wandering the streets at night, sings revolutionary songs and steals a handcart from a sleeping Auvergnat to bring to his barricade. He writes a receipt for the cart, but is confronted by a National Guard sergeant. Using the cart as a projectile, he knocks the sergeant down and escapes a fusillade, then resumes his journey and song.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revolution and Social Upheaval

Gavroche's theft of the cart and his revolutionary song embody the spirit of insurrection and defiance against the established order.

## Character check-ins

### Gavroche

Steals a handcart for the barricade, confronts a National Guard sergeant, and escapes a fusillade.

## Key lines

> How bully that cart would look on our barricade!

Gavroche decides to steal the cart for use in building a barricade.

_Shows Gavroche's dedication to the revolutionary cause._

> French Republic. Received thy cart Gavroche.

Gavroche writes a receipt for the cart, claiming it in the name of the Republic.

_Highlights Gavroche's playful yet serious commitment to the Republic._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-gavroche-s-excess-of-zeal
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters