# Enlargement of Horizon explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

In a lively debate among the young revolutionaries, Marius passionately defends Napoleon's greatness, only to be countered by Combeferre's simple assertion of freedom and Enjolras's declaration that his mother is the Republic.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revolution and Social Upheaval

The chapter captures the ideological clash between Bonapartism and republicanism, central to the revolutionary spirit of the era.

### The Human Condition and Fate

Marius's passionate defense of Napoleon and the sudden shift to the ideal of freedom reflect the human struggle between glory and liberty.

## Character check-ins

### Marius Pontmercy

Passionately defends Napoleon's legacy, arguing for the Emperor's greatness against the republican ideals of his friends.

### Enjolras

Remains silent initially, then counters Marius's praise of Napoleon with the assertion that France needs no Corsica to be great, and later declares 'my mother is the Republic.'

### Combeferre

Responds to Marius's epic praise of Napoleon with the simple, powerful word 'To be free,' and later sings a song about choosing a mother over glory.

### Grantaire

Participates in the jesting and quips among the group before the serious discussion begins.

### Bahorel

Engages in the banter and assumes a characteristic posture, but stops to listen when the debate intensifies.

### Bossuet

Initiates the serious turn by mentioning the date 'June 18th, 1815, Waterloo.'

### Courfeyrac

Comments on the number 18 as Bonaparte's fatal number, linking it to his destiny.

### Jean Prouvaire

One of the young men fencing in the conversation, though not directly quoted.

## Key lines

> To be free.

Combeferre counters Marius's epic praise of Napoleon with the simple, profound ideal of freedom.

_This moment marks a turning point in the debate, shifting from glorification of conquest to the value of liberty._

> Citizen, my mother is the Republic.

Enjolras declares his ultimate loyalty to the Republic, rejecting personal or imperial allegiances.

_Enjolras's statement encapsulates the republican ideal that transcends family and individual glory._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/v-enlargement-of-horizon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters