Les Misérables, Book 1: The War Between Four Walls, Chapter 18 summary
Book 1: The War Between Four Walls, Chapter 18 of 365 · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 18, Enjolras prepares the barricade and wine-shop for an approaching assault, assigning the remaining fighters their positions and ordering Javert’s execution. Jean Valjean claims the task as his reward for helping the defenders, and the alarm sends the insurgents outside while he takes charge of the prisoner.
What happens
- The narrator describes barricade fighting as a dreamlike experience that confuses memory and brings life close to death.
- At noon, approaching sappers prompt Enjolras to order stones carried upstairs and windows fortified.
- Enjolras assigns Marius lookout duty, seals the room holding the wounded, and distributes the remaining fighters and weapons.
- He orders that Javert be taken to the smaller barricade and killed by the last person leaving.
- Jean Valjean requests permission to execute Javert, receives it, and cocks the pistol.
- Trumpets sound, Marius gives the alarm, and the insurgents rush outside as Javert predicts their shared fate.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Javert challenges the distinction between condemned prisoner and armed defenders. His calm response links his threatened execution to the danger facing his captors.
Quick check
What reward does Jean Valjean request from Enjolras?
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