The Artillerymen Compel People to Take Them Seriously explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Revolution and Social Upheaval

  The barricade battle exemplifies the violent struggle for republican ideals, with young men on both sides willing to die.

• Suffering and Sacrifice

  The death of the young artillery sergeant and the casualties among the insurgents highlight the human cost of revolution.

• Mercy and Forgiveness

  Combeferre's plea for mercy contrasts with Enjolras's cold necessity, raising the question of whether compassion can exist in war.

Characters to notice

• Gavroche

  Returns to the barricade and lies to Marius about delivering the letter; warns the insurgents of the surrounding troops.

• Marius Pontmercy

  Confronts Gavroche about the letter and points out Jean Valjean, but is distracted by the battle.

• Jean Valjean

  Present at the barricade as M. Fauchelevent; Marius points him out to Gavroche, but Gavroche does not recognize him.

• Enjolras

  Leads the defense, orders the insurgents to take cover, and shoots the artillery sergeant despite Combeferre's plea.

• Combeferre

  Pleads with Enjolras to spare the young artillery sergeant, but Enjolras kills him anyway.

• Courfeyrac

  Returns Gavroche's gun to him.

Key passages

• ““What hideous things these butcheries are! Come, when there are no more kings, there will be no more war. Enjolras, you are taking aim at that sergeant, you are not looking at him. Fancy, he is a charming young man; he is intrepid; it is evident that he is thoughtful; those young artillerymen are very well educated; he has a father, a mother, a family; he is probably in love; he is not more than five and twenty at the most; he might be your brother.””

  Combeferre laments the brutality of war, arguing that if there were no kings, there would be no war. He points out that the young artillery sergeant is a charming, thoughtful, and well-educated young man with a family and a lover, no older than twenty-five, and could be Enjolras's brother.

  Combeferre's plea for mercy highlights the tragedy of civil war, where young men on opposing sides are essentially brothers.

• ““He is,” said Enjolras. “Yes,” replied Combeferre, “he is mine too. Well, let us not kill him.” “Let me alone. It must be done.” And a tear trickled slowly down Enjolras’ marble cheek.”

  Enjolras acknowledges that the sergeant is his brother in a human sense, and Combeferre agrees, urging him not to kill. But Enjolras insists it must be done, and a tear rolls down his cheek as he shoots.

  Enjolras's tear shows his internal conflict between revolutionary duty and human compassion, underscoring the theme of sacrifice.