Les Misérables, Book 1: The War Between Four Walls, Chapter 8 summary
Book 1: The War Between Four Walls, Chapter 8 of 365 · 4 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 8, Gavroche returns to the barricade, lies about delivering Marius’s letter, and warns that troops surround the defenders. After grapeshot kills two insurgents and wounds three, Enjolras shoots the young artillery commander despite Combeferre’s appeal, gaining several minutes while the attackers replace him.
What happens
- Gavroche falsely tells Marius that he leaves the letter with a doorman, and denies knowing M. Fauchelevent.
- Marius’s suspicions about M. Fauchelevent fade as he considers that the man may support the republic.
- Gavroche receives his gun and reports that troops surround the barricade.
- Enjolras warns the defenders to take cover, but grapeshot kills two and wounds three before they can obey.
- Combeferre urges Enjolras to spare the young artillery commander, stressing their shared humanity.
- Enjolras weeps but shoots the commander dead, delaying another cannon shot by several minutes.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Enjolras treats the killing as necessary despite his compassion for the gunner. His tear shows the emotional cost of that decision.
Quick check
What immediate advantage does killing the gun captain give the defenders?
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