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Les Misérables, Book 1: The War Between Four Walls, Chapter 11 summary

Book 1: The War Between Four Walls, Chapter 11 of 365 · 2 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 11, Enjolras keeps the barricade silent under bombardment, refusing the attackers’ attempt to drain its ammunition, while Jean Valjean shoots the helmets off two rooftop observers without killing them. The observers retreat, the spying stops, and Valjean leaves Bossuet’s question about his refusal to kill unanswered.

What happens

  1. The attackers bombard the barricade, damaging the Corinthe windows and forcing the fighters stationed there to withdraw.
  2. Enjolras refuses to return fire, avoiding the attackers’ attempt to exhaust the insurgents’ ammunition.
  3. Gavroche and Courfeyrac mock the bombardment and its limited effect.
  4. A fireman watches from a nearby roof, and Jean Valjean shoots off his helmet, making him retreat.
  5. Valjean shoots off a replacement officer’s helmet, and the attackers abandon rooftop observation.
  6. Bossuet asks why Valjean does not kill the man, but Valjean gives no answer.

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In this chapter

Jean ValjeanGavrocheEnjolras

What to notice

The question highlights Valjean’s choice to stop the observers without killing them. His silence leaves his reason unstated.

Quick check

How does Jean Valjean stop the rooftop observers?

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