Les Misérables · Chapter
IX: Employment of the Old Talents of a Poacher and That Infallible Marksmanship Which Influenced the Condemnation of 1796 explained
In the barricade, as the cannon fire intensifies, Enjolras orders a mattress to deaden the grapeshot.
What happens
In the barricade, as the cannon fire intensifies, Enjolras orders a mattress to deaden the grapeshot. Jean Valjean, who had been inactive, uses his marksmanship to shoot the ropes holding a mattress from an attic window, causing it to fall into the street. Despite heavy enemy fire, he retrieves the mattress and places it against the barricade, saving the position. Enjolras thanks him on behalf of the Republic.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and Social Upheaval
The barricade scene exemplifies the struggle of insurgents against state forces, highlighting the chaos and sacrifice of revolution.
Suffering and Sacrifice
Jean Valjean risks his life under heavy fire to retrieve the mattress, embodying personal sacrifice for the collective cause.
Characters to notice
- Jean Valjean
Uses his old poacher skills to shoot the ropes of a mattress, then bravely retrieves it under fire to protect the barricade.
- Enjolras
Commands the placement of a mattress to counter the cannon and thanks Jean Valjean for his decisive action.
- Combeferre
Points out that there are no spare mattresses as the wounded are using them.
- Bossuet
Admires the irony of a mattress triumphing over a cannon, laughing at the situation.
Key passages
“We must place a mattress there.”
We need to put a mattress in that spot.
Enjolras orders a mattress to be placed to absorb the cannon's grapeshot.
“Citizen, the Republic thanks you.”
Citizen, the Republic expresses its gratitude to you.
Enjolras formally thanks Jean Valjean for his heroic act.