Les Misérables, Book 12: Corinthe, Chapter 2 summary
Book 12: Corinthe, Chapter 2 of 365 · 14 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 2, Laigle de Meaux, Joly, and Grantaire spend the morning drinking at Corinthe, declining a message that connects them with Lamarque’s funeral. Their separation from the unrest ends when Bossuet spots armed companions outside and invites them to build their barricade in the street beside the wine shop.
What happens
- Laigle and Joly breakfast at Corinthe, where Grantaire joins them and drinks while attacking society, revolution, and divine government.
- Navet delivers a message from a blond man whom Grantaire identifies as Enjolras, but the friends decide to remain indoors.
- Grantaire complains that Enjolras overlooks him, and the three continue drinking as rain and clouds darken the room.
- By afternoon, Grantaire drinks a mixture of spirits and beer while his companions share his revived good humor.
- Bossuet sees armed friends and a crowd approaching, calls to Courfeyrac, and proposes their street as a barricade site.
- Courfeyrac agrees and signals the crowd to enter the Rue de la Chanvrerie.

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In this chapter
What to notice
Grantaire’s complaint exposes personal loyalty beneath his rejection of political action. He wants Enjolras to seek him out.
Quick check
Who proposes the street beside Corinthe as the barricade site?

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