# Passing Gleams explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

In the midst of the barricade, Enjolras perceives a brief resurgence of insurrection across Paris, as scattered attacks and signs of popular uprising give a fleeting hope. However, the military swiftly suppresses these sparks, and the insurgents are left isolated and hungry, facing their impending doom.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revolution and Social Upheaval

The chapter depicts the ebb and flow of the insurrection, with brief hopes of a general uprising quickly crushed by military force.

### Suffering and Sacrifice

The insurgents face hunger and isolation, resigned to death as the military closes in.

## Character check-ins

### Enjolras

Remains vigilant at the barricade, interpreting sounds of distant fighting as a sign of Paris awakening, but ultimately acknowledges the failure of the general movement.

### Courfeyrac

Addressed by Enjolras regarding the wounded passing by, indicating they are not from their barricade.

## Key lines

> Listen,” suddenly cried Enjolras, who was still on the watch, “it seems to me that Paris is waking up.

Enjolras, keeping watch, exclaims that he believes Paris is stirring to action.

_Enjolras's hopeful observation of renewed insurrectionary activity._

> Their hope did not last long; the gleam was quickly eclipsed.

The brief moment of optimism faded rapidly.

_The fleeting nature of the insurgents' hope as the uprising is suppressed._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xiii-passing-gleams
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters