Les Misérables, Book 14: The Grandeurs of Despair, Chapter 2 summary
Book 14: The Grandeurs of Despair, Chapter 2 of 365 · 4 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 2, Father Mabeuf emerges from his withdrawn state, takes the red flag from Enjolras, and climbs the barricade, where gunfire kills him after he cheers the Republic. Courfeyrac corrects the belief that Mabeuf is a regicide, but Enjolras turns his death into an example of courage and presents his bloodied coat as their new flag.
What happens
- Father Mabeuf sits unresponsive behind the counter despite warnings from Courfeyrac and others.
- The attack rouses him, and he takes the flag from Enjolras before climbing the barricade.
- Mabeuf cheers the Revolution and Republic, ignores an order to retreat, and falls under a volley.
- Courfeyrac privately tells Enjolras that Mabeuf is not the regicide the insurgents imagine.
- Enjolras urges the insurgents to defend Mabeuf’s body and declares his bloodied coat their flag.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Mabeuf openly embraces revolutionary ideals while exposed to gunfire. His cry marks the change from silent withdrawal to a public act that moves the insurgents.
Quick check
What does Enjolras designate as the insurgents’ new flag?
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