Les Misérables, Book 12: Corinthe, Chapter 1 summary
Book 12: Corinthe, Chapter 1 of 365 · 8 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, the narrator describes Corinthe’s cramped neighborhood, explains its changing name, and introduces the owners, servants, and young men who gather there. Father Hucheloup’s death leaves his widow running a declining restaurant, but Courfeyrac and his friends remain customers, establishing the tavern as their regular meeting place.
What happens
- The narrator maps the narrow, tangled streets around Corinthe and contrasts them with the streets that replace them.
- Natoire’s painting of grapes gives the tavern its new name, which customers shorten to Corinthe.
- Father Hucheloup serves celebrated stuffed carp, and rain transforms his misspelled advertisement into apparent philosophical advice.
- Grantaire discovers the tavern, where Courfeyrac and his friends receive a welcome despite their unreliable payments.
- Father Hucheloup dies around 1830, and his widow continues the business despite worsening food and wine.
- The narrator describes the shabby upstairs restaurant, its two serving maids, and Courfeyrac’s warning on the door.

Gratuit pendant 3 mois
Obtenez le résumé complet de Les Misérables, gratuitement
- 200 000+ classiques en livres numériques, livres audio et résumés en 15 minutes, et des livres imprimés, y compris en gros caractères, au coût d’impression
- Jusqu’à 5 lecteurs de votre foyer avec une seule formule
What to notice
Courfeyrac’s written warning captures the restaurant’s poor food and the joking familiarity of its regular customers.
Quick check
Why does Grantaire return to Corinthe after his first visit?

Gratuit pendant 3 mois
Obtenez le résumé complet de Les Misérables, gratuitement
- 200 000+ classiques en livres numériques, livres audio et résumés en 15 minutes, et des livres imprimés, y compris en gros caractères, au coût d’impression
- Jusqu’à 5 lecteurs de votre foyer avec une seule formule

15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free

















