Les Misérables, Book 1: The War Between Four Walls, Chapter 17 summary
Book 1: The War Between Four Walls, Chapter 17 of 365 · 3 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 17, Marius brings Gavroche’s body into the barricade, receives a bandage for his own wound, and reflects on his father and Thénardier. The defenders distribute the recovered cartridges and continue their ordinary tasks under fire, while Jean Valjean refuses ammunition and the situation grows more dangerous.
What happens
- Marius and Combeferre rush outside too late to save Gavroche, returning with his body and the basket of cartridges.
- Courfeyrac bandages Marius’s grazed forehead, and Gavroche’s body is placed beside Mabeuf beneath a black shawl.
- Combeferre distributes fifteen cartridges per man, but Jean Valjean refuses his share.
- Enjolras defends Jean Valjean’s contribution when Combeferre comments on his refusal to fight.
- The defenders tend wounds, prepare weapons, talk, and eat despite the gunfire, while Marius worries about facing his father.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of I miserabili, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
In this chapter
What to notice
Enjolras separates defending the barricade from firing a weapon. His reply challenges Combeferre’s judgment of Jean Valjean’s refusal.
Quick check
What does Jean Valjean do when Combeferre offers him cartridges?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of I miserabili, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
