Les Misérables, Chapter 23 summary
Chapter 23 of 365 · Book 1: The War Between Four Walls · 5 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 23, attackers surround the unarmed Enjolras, while Grantaire wakes from drunken sleep and chooses to face the firing squad beside him. Both men are shot, the remaining insurgents are overwhelmed throughout the building, and soldiers begin searching nearby houses for those who escape.
What happens
- Twenty attackers force their way upstairs and find Enjolras standing alone with a broken gun.
- Enjolras discards his weapon, accepts execution, and refuses a blindfold as twelve men prepare to shoot.
- The sudden silence wakes Grantaire, who understands the situation and declares his support for the Republic.
- Grantaire asks to die beside Enjolras, who answers by pressing his hand and smiling.
- The firing squad shoots both men, leaving Enjolras against the wall and Grantaire at his feet.
- Soldiers overcome resistance in the attic, on the roof, and in the cellar, then pursue fugitives.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Grantaire openly identifies with the insurgents after sleeping through their battle. His declaration leads directly to his choice to stand beside Enjolras before the guns.
Quick check
What wakes Grantaire from his drunken sleep?
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