Les Misérables, Book 1: Waterloo, Chapter 11 summary
Book 1: Waterloo, Chapter 11 of 365 · 3 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 11, Napoleon expects Grouchy, but Bülow’s Prussian troops approach by a route that allows their artillery through, despite delays from mud and fire. Napoleon’s staff misreads the distant force, while Blücher orders an attack to relieve Wellington, bringing Prussian fire against the French positions.
What happens
- A young shepherd guides Bülow below Plancenoit, avoiding a ravine that would prevent his artillery from passing.
- Mud and burning houses delay Bülow’s march, and his advance troops reach Chapelle-Saint-Lambert only at midday.
- Napoleon spots a distant shape, Soult identifies it as Grouchy’s troops, and staff officers suggest trees.
- Napoleon sends Domon’s cavalry to investigate, while Bülow waits to assemble his forces.
- At five o’clock, Blücher orders Bülow to attack because Wellington is in danger.
- Prussian divisions and cavalry deploy, Plancenoit burns, and cannonballs reach the reserve Guard behind Napoleon.
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Why do Bülow’s ammunition wagons have to wait at Wavre?
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