Les Misérables, Book 5: The Descent, Chapter 6 summary
Book 5: The Descent, Chapter 6 of 365 · 4 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 6, M. Madeleine crawls beneath a sinking cart to rescue Father Fauchelevent, an old enemy, despite Javert’s pointed remarks about a powerful convict. His strength and courage enable the crowd to free the trapped man, while Javert keeps watching him closely.
What happens
- M. Madeleine finds Father Fauchelevent trapped beneath a loaded cart after his horse collapses.
- A lifting screw is too far away, and the wet ground lets the cart sink onto Fauchelevent’s chest.
- Madeleine offers increasing rewards, but no spectator attempts the dangerous rescue.
- Javert watches Madeleine and says that only a convict he knows possesses the necessary strength.
- Madeleine crawls beneath the cart and raises it enough for the crowd to help free Fauchelevent.
- Fauchelevent kisses Madeleine’s knees in gratitude, while Madeleine calmly meets Javert’s continuing stare.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Madeleine’s action changes the crowd from passive witnesses into helpers. Their shared effort completes the rescue.
Quick check
Why can the rescuers not wait for the jack screw?
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