# IV: The Barrel of Powder explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/iv-the-barrel-of-powder
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters