Les Misérables · Chapter
End of the Verses of Jean Prouvaire explained
Marius is welcomed by the insurgents at the barricade and is declared their leader by Enjolras.
What happens
Marius is welcomed by the insurgents at the barricade and is declared their leader by Enjolras. Amidst the aftermath of an attack, the insurgents discover that Jean Prouvaire is missing and later hear him shout 'Vive la France!' before being executed by the National Guard. Enjolras informs Javert that his friends have just shot him.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Sacrifice
Jean Prouvaire's execution exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice for one's ideals, as he dies shouting 'Vive la France!'
Revolution and Social Upheaval
The barricade scene and the insurgents' struggle highlight the revolutionary fervor and social upheaval of the period.
Characters to notice
- Marius Pontmercy
Arrives at the barricade and is embraced by Courfeyrac; Enjolras declares him the chief.
- Enjolras
Declares Marius the leader; decides against exchanging Javert for Prouvaire; informs Javert of Prouvaire's death.
- Jean Prouvaire
Missing after the attack; heard shouting 'Vive la France!' before being executed.
- Javert
Bound to his post, he remains motionless during the attack; Enjolras tells him his friends have shot Prouvaire.
- Combeferre
Proposes to exchange Javert for Prouvaire under a flag of truce.
Key passages
“All flocked around Marius. Courfeyrac flung himself on his neck. 'Here you are!' 'What luck!' said Combeferre.”
The insurgents gather around Marius, with Courfeyrac embracing him and Combeferre expressing relief at his arrival.
Marius is warmly welcomed by his friends at the barricade.
“Marius asked:— 'Where is the chief?' 'You are he!' said Enjolras.”
Marius inquires about the leader of the insurgents, and Enjolras declares that Marius himself is now the chief.
Enjolras appoints Marius as the leader of the barricade.
“They heard a manly voice shout:— 'Vive la France! Long live France! Long live the future!' They recognized the voice of Prouvaire. A flash passed, a report rang out. Silence fell again.”
The insurgents hear Prouvaire's voice shouting patriotic cries, followed by a gunshot, indicating his execution.
Jean Prouvaire is executed by the National Guard.