Les Misérables, Book 14: The Grandeurs of Despair, Chapter 5 summary
Book 14: The Grandeurs of Despair, Chapter 5 of 365 · 3 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 5, the insurgents welcome Marius as their leader, tend their wounded, and discover that Jean Prouvaire is missing and apparently captured. Combeferre proposes exchanging Javert for him, but a shout and gunshot announce Prouvaire’s death before the offer can be made, prompting Enjolras to threaten Javert.
What happens
- The insurgents welcome Marius, and Enjolras names him their leader.
- Overwhelmed by grief and recent events, Marius fails to notice the bound Javert.
- While the attackers hold back, the insurgents strengthen the barricade and arrange care for the wounded.
- A roll call reveals Jean Prouvaire’s absence, and Combeferre proposes exchanging Javert for him.
- Prouvaire shouts from the street before a gunshot sounds, and Enjolras tells Javert that his own side condemns him.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Enjolras directs this threat at Javert after Prouvaire’s apparent execution. It turns the failed exchange into a warning of retaliation.
Quick check
What does Combeferre propose to save Jean Prouvaire?
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