Les Misérables · Chapter
IV: The Barrel of Powder explained
Marius, initially concealed, witnesses the escalating battle at the barricade.
What happens
Marius, initially concealed, witnesses the escalating battle at the barricade. After seeing M. Mabeuf killed and his friends in danger, he joins the fight, saving Gavroche and Courfeyrac. When a soldier takes aim at him, a young workman blocks the gun and is shot. Marius seizes a barrel of powder, places it near the torch, and threatens to blow up the barricade, causing the assailants to flee.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and Social Upheaval
The chapter depicts the violent clash between insurgents and government forces at the barricade.
Suffering and Sacrifice
Marius risks his own life by threatening to blow up the barricade, and characters like Mabeuf and Bahorel are killed.
Characters to notice
- Marius Pontmercy
Joins the combat, saves Gavroche and Courfeyrac, and threatens to blow up the barricade with a barrel of powder.
- Gavroche
Saved by Marius's first shot during the assault.
- Courfeyrac
Shouts 'Follow me!' and is delivered by Marius's second shot.
- Enjolras
Commands the insurgents, shouting 'Wait! Don't fire at random!' and later orders 'Fire!'
- M. Mabeuf
Mentioned as having been killed, a melancholy enigma.
- Bahorel
Mentioned as having been killed.
Key passages
“Marius, still concealed in the turn of the Rue Mondétour, had witnessed, shuddering and irresolute, the first phase of the combat.”
Marius, hidden at the corner of Rue Mondétour, watched the beginning of the fight with fear and uncertainty.
Marius's initial hesitation before joining the battle.
“Be off with you, or I'll blow up the barricade!”
Leave now, or I will detonate the barricade!
Marius's ultimatum to the attacking soldiers, holding a torch to a barrel of powder.