Les Misérables, Book 11: The Atom Joins the Hurricane, Chapter 2 summary

What happens

1. Gavroche sings and shouts against oppression while carrying a pistol without a trigger.
2. He puts down his weapon to help a fallen National Guard lancer and his horse.
3. On the quiet Rue de Thorigny, he overhears three portresses and a rag-picker discussing animals, rulers, prices, and refuse.
4. He mocks their conversation, and the women attack his appearance, weapon, and hostility toward authority.
5. Walking away, Gavroche argues to himself that revolution benefits the rag-picker, while Patagon follows and insults him.
6. He calls for battle, complains that his pistol cannot fire, pities a thin poodle, and heads toward l’Orme-Saint-Gervais.

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What to notice

Speaking to himself about the rag-picker, Gavroche presents revolt as a way to improve poor people’s lives. Her hostility does not change his claim to act for her benefit.

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