Les Misérables · Chapter
XVII: Is Waterloo to Be Considered Good? explained
The chapter reflects on Waterloo as a counterrevolutionary victory that temporarily halted the spread of revolutionary ideals, yet ultimately could not stop the march of progress and liberty.
What happens
The chapter reflects on Waterloo as a counterrevolutionary victory that temporarily halted the spread of revolutionary ideals, yet ultimately could not stop the march of progress and liberty. It argues that despite the triumph of monarchies, the revolution continued through constitutional reforms and the work of thinkers, making Waterloo an involuntary step toward liberal progress.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and Social Upheaval
Waterloo is portrayed as a counterrevolutionary victory, yet the chapter argues that revolution is providential and cannot be truly conquered, continuing through progress and constitutional change.
The Human Condition and Fate
The chapter presents progress as an irresistible force of fate, using Waterloo as a tool to advance revolutionary ideals despite the intentions of the victors.
Key passages
“Waterloo is but the stupefied date of liberty.”
Waterloo is merely a stunned moment in the history of liberty.
The author diminishes Waterloo's significance as a temporary setback for freedom.
“That sinister victory was vanquished by liberty.”
That ominous victory was ultimately defeated by the force of liberty.
The author asserts that liberty ultimately triumphed over the reactionary victory at Waterloo.