Les Misérables · Chapter
Orestes Fasting and Pylades Drunk explained
In the aftermath of the barricade's fall, Enjolras stands alone, unarmed and defiant, facing the soldiers who have captured the stronghold.
What happens
In the aftermath of the barricade's fall, Enjolras stands alone, unarmed and defiant, facing the soldiers who have captured the stronghold. He refuses to have his eyes bandaged and admits to killing the artillery sergeant. Grantaire, who has been in a drunken stupor throughout the battle, is awakened by the sudden silence. He rises, declares 'Long live the Republic,' and joins Enjolras, asking to be shot alongside him. Enjolras smiles and presses his hand; both are killed instantly by the soldiers' volley. The chapter ends with the final clearing of the barricade and the pursuit of fugitives.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Sacrifice
Enjolras and Grantaire embrace martyrdom, sacrificing their lives for the Republic in a final act of defiance and solidarity.
Revolution and Social Upheaval
The fall of the barricade and the execution of its leaders mark the violent end of the republican uprising, highlighting the costs of revolutionary struggle.
Characters to notice
- Enjolras
Enjolras stands alone, unarmed and defiant, after the barricade falls. He refuses to have his eyes bandaged, admits to killing the artillery sergeant, and is executed alongside Grantaire.
- Grantaire
Grantaire, drunk and asleep throughout the battle, is awakened by the silence. He rises, declares 'Long live the Republic,' and joins Enjolras in death, asking to be shot together.
Key passages
“Grantaire rose to his feet with a start, stretched out his arms, rubbed his eyes, stared, yawned, and understood.”
Grantaire suddenly woke up, stretched, rubbed his eyes, looked around, yawned, and grasped the situation.
Grantaire's abrupt awakening from his drunken stupor as the silence after the battle shocks him into consciousness.
“Enjolras pressed his hand with a smile. This smile was not ended when the report resounded.”
Enjolras smiled and squeezed Grantaire's hand, and before the smile faded, the gunfire rang out.
The moment of solidarity between Enjolras and Grantaire as they face death together, with Enjolras's smile persisting through the fatal volley.