# The Last Square explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

As the French army collapses at Waterloo, several squares of the Imperial Guard hold their ground against overwhelming English forces. One square, commanded by Cambronne, fights to the last, refusing to surrender despite being surrounded and decimated. When an English general calls on them to surrender, Cambronne defiantly responds with a vulgar refusal.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Sacrifice

The square's soldiers endure relentless fire, diminishing in number yet refusing to yield, embodying ultimate sacrifice.

### The Human Condition and Fate

The soldiers face inevitable death with stoic resolve, highlighting the tragic fate of those caught in war's machinery.

## Character check-ins

### Georges Pontmercy

Mentioned as part of the battle of Waterloo, though not directly present in this square.

## Key lines

> Several squares of the Guard, motionless amid this stream of the defeat, as rocks in running water, held their own until night.

Like boulders in a rushing river, the Guard's squares stood firm against the tide of retreat.

_Hugo uses a simile to emphasize the immovable courage of the Guard amidst chaos._

> Cambronne replied, 'Merde!'

Cambronne answered with a vulgar expletive, refusing to surrender.

_This legendary retort epitomizes defiance and has become a symbol of French military pride._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xiv-the-last-square
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters