# Enjolras and His Lieutenants explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Enjolras organizes a secret meeting at the Café Musain to take a census of revolutionary forces in Paris, assigning tasks to his lieutenants—Courfeyrac, Feuilly, Combeferre, Bahorel, Jean Prouvaire, Joly, and Bossuet—to rally various groups. He expresses concern about the apathy at the Barrière du Maine and reluctantly tasks Grantaire, a skeptical but loyal follower, to go there. Grantaire dons a Robespierre waistcoat and departs, while Enjolras later checks on him at Richefeu's, finding him absorbed in a domino game.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revolution and Social Upheaval

The chapter centers on Enjolras's meticulous planning for a possible uprising, assigning lieutenants to rally various factions and prepare for combat.

### The Human Condition and Fate

Enjolras reflects on the gravity of events and the uncertain future, while Grantaire's skepticism and distraction with dominoes highlight human fallibility in the face of grand ideals.

## Character check-ins

### Enjolras

Leads the secret meeting, assigns tasks to his lieutenants, and takes charge of the Cougourde of Aix.

### Grantaire

Volunteers for the Barrière du Maine mission despite Enjolras's doubts; dons a Robespierre waistcoat and later plays dominoes at Richefeu's.

### Courfeyrac

Assigned to see the polytechnic students.

### Combeferre

Promised to go to Picpus.

### Feuilly

Assigned to see those of the Glacière.

### Bahorel

Tasked with visiting the Estrapade.

### Jean Prouvaire

Sent to bring news from the masons' lodge.

### Joly

Assigned to Dupuytren's clinical lecture to feel the pulse of the medical school.

## Key lines

> It is proper that we should know where we stand and on whom we may count. If combatants are required, they must be provided.

We need to assess our resources and allies, ensuring we have enough fighters if a conflict arises.

_Enjolras emphasizes the need for a census of revolutionary supporters._

> I believe in you.

My faith is in you, not in abstract principles.

_Grantaire expresses his loyalty to Enjolras personally, despite his own cynicism._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/vi-enjolras-and-his-lieutenants
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters