Les Misérables · Chapter
A Bad Guide to Napoleon; A Good Guide to Bülow explained
This chapter describes the critical moment at the Battle of Waterloo when Napoleon's hope for Grouchy's reinforcements is dashed by the arrival of Blücher's Prussian army, led by Bülow.
What happens
This chapter describes the critical moment at the Battle of Waterloo when Napoleon's hope for Grouchy's reinforcements is dashed by the arrival of Blücher's Prussian army, led by Bülow. The narrative emphasizes the immense consequences of a guide's route choice, which determined whether the Prussian artillery could reach the battlefield. It details Bülow's delays due to muddy roads and a burning bridge, and how the timing of his arrival turned the tide against Napoleon, leading to the loss of the battle.
Themes in this chapter
The Human Condition and Fate
The chapter explores how a guide's small decision and the timing of troop movements can alter the course of history, reflecting the role of chance and fate in human affairs.
Suffering and Sacrifice
The description of the Prussian army's struggle through impassable roads and burning streets highlights the physical suffering and sacrifice required to reach the battlefield.
Key passages
“If the little shepherd who served as guide to Bülow, Blücher’s lieutenant, had advised him to debouch from the forest above Frischemont, instead of below Plancenoit, the form of the nineteenth century might, perhaps, have been different.”
Had Bülow's guide chosen a different route, the outcome of the battle—and the entire century—could have been altered.
Highlights the pivotal role of a seemingly minor decision in shaping history.
“It was time that Bülow should arrive, as will be seen. He had, moreover, been very much delayed. He had bivouacked at Dion-le-Mont, and had set out at daybreak; but the roads were impassable, and his divisions stuck fast in the mire.”
Bülow's arrival was crucial, but his march was severely hindered by muddy roads, causing significant delay.
Emphasizes the physical obstacles that nearly prevented the Prussian reinforcement.