Les Misérables · Chapter
The Old Man explained
Enjolras and his friends, having been on the Boulevard Bourdon during the dragoons' charge, retreat to the Rue Bassompierre shouting 'To the barricades!' In the Rue Lesdiguières, they encounter an old man walking in a zigzag, hatless in the
What happens
Enjolras and his friends, having been on the Boulevard Bourdon during the dragoons' charge, retreat to the Rue Bassompierre shouting 'To the barricades!' In the Rue Lesdiguières, they encounter an old man walking in a zigzag, hatless in the rain. Courfeyrac recognizes him as Father Mabeuf, a peaceful book-collector known for accompanying Marius. Despite the danger of cavalry charges and fusillades, Mabeuf insists on following them, refusing offers of help. He advances with firm step and sleeping countenance, rumored to be a former member of the Convention and an old regicide. The troop, led by little Gavroche singing a loud song, turns into the Rue de la Verrerie and heads toward Saint-Merry.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and Social Upheaval
The chapter captures the spontaneous gathering of insurgents, the call to barricades, and the participation of an old man, reflecting the revolutionary spirit and social upheaval of the time.
The Human Condition and Fate
Father Mabeuf's unexpected, almost somnambulant determination to join the uprising highlights the mysterious and fateful nature of human choices in times of crisis.
Characters to notice
- Enjolras
Leads the group from the Boulevard Bourdon, shouting 'To the barricades!' and directing the march toward Saint-Merry.
- Courfeyrac
Recognizes Father Mabeuf in the street and engages him in dialogue, urging him to go home amid the danger.
- Combeferre
Among those who took to the Rue Bassompierre with Enjolras and Courfeyrac.
- M. Mabeuf
The old man encountered walking hatless in the rain; he insists on following the insurgents, advancing with firm step despite the chaos.
- Gavroche
Marches in front of the troop, singing loudly and acting as a trumpet for the column.
Key passages
“Enjolras and his friends had been on the Boulevard Bourdon, near the public storehouses, at the moment when the dragoons had made their charge.”
Enjolras and his companions were on the Boulevard Bourdon near the storehouses when the dragoons charged.
Sets the scene of the uprising and the immediate danger from cavalry.
“Courfeyrac had recognized Father Mabeuf. He knew him through having many times accompanied Marius as far as his door.”
Courfeyrac recognized Father Mabeuf because he had often walked Marius home.
Establishes the connection between Courfeyrac and Mabeuf through Marius.
“The rumor spread through the troop that he was a former member of the Convention—an old regicide.”
Word spread among the insurgents that Mabeuf was a former member of the National Convention and had voted for the king's execution.
Highlights the revolutionary reputation attributed to Mabeuf.