Les Misérables, Book 4: The Friends of the a B C, Chapter 1 summary
Book 4: The Friends of the a B C, Chapter 1 of 365 · 21 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, the narrator introduces the Friends of the A B C, a small Paris society that seeks to uplift the people through revolutionary change. Portraits of its members distinguish their ideals, temperaments, and friendships, especially the contrast between Enjolras’s firm convictions and Grantaire’s skeptical but devoted attachment to him.
What happens
- Political opinions shift toward democracy, and small underground societies begin to form in France.
- The Friends of the A B C meet in Paris cafés and seek to raise the people’s condition.
- Enjolras embodies uncompromising revolution, while Combeferre favors humane progress through knowledge and education.
- The narrator describes the other members’ learning, work, humor, friendships, and shared commitment to progress.
- Grantaire rejects political belief but admires Enjolras, who repeatedly pushes him away.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The sentence explains why Grantaire stays among committed revolutionaries despite rejecting their ideals. Personal affection sustains his connection to the group.
Quick check
Why does Grantaire remain attached to Enjolras?
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