Les Misérables · Chapter
IV: The Child Is Amazed at the Old Man explained
Gavroche joins a band of revolutionaries led by Enjolras, Courfeyrac, Combeferre, and Feuilly in the Marché Saint-Jean.
What happens
Gavroche joins a band of revolutionaries led by Enjolras, Courfeyrac, Combeferre, and Feuilly in the Marché Saint-Jean. The group is armed and animated, with Bahorel tearing down a Lenten placard and Gavroche learning from him. An old man, M. Mabeuf, follows unarmed, and Gavroche questions his presence.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and Social Upheaval
The chapter depicts the gathering of armed revolutionaries, including Gavroche, Enjolras, and others, preparing for insurrection.
Characters to notice
- Gavroche
Joins the revolutionary band, observes Bahorel, and asks about M. Mabeuf.
- Enjolras
Leads the group, armed with a double-barrelled hunting-gun, and admonishes Bahorel for wasting energy.
- Courfeyrac
Armed with a sword-cane, invites Gavroche to come along.
- Combeferre
Carries a National Guard gun and pistols, part of the revolutionary band.
- M. Mabeuf
An unarmed old man following the group, described as an 'old duffer' by Courfeyrac.
Key passages
“Gavroche accosted them calmly:— “Where are we going?” “Come along,” said Courfeyrac.”
Gavroche calmly asks where the group is headed, and Courfeyrac invites him to join.
Gavroche's casual integration into the revolutionary band.
“Bahorel exclaimed:— “ ‘Flock’; a polite way of saying geese.” And he tore the charge from the nail.”
Bahorel mocks the archbishop's pastoral language and tears down the Lenten notice.
Bahorel's irreverent act against church authority.
“Gavroche caught sight of him:— “Keksekça?” said he to Courfeyrac. “He’s an old duffer.” It was M. Mabeuf.”
Gavroche asks who the old man is, and Courfeyrac dismisses him as an 'old duffer,' revealing it to be M. Mabeuf.
Gavroche's curiosity about the unarmed elderly follower.