Les Misérables, Book 12: Corinthe, Chapter 4 summary
Book 12: Corinthe, Chapter 4 of 365 · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 4, insurgents build two barricades around the Corinthe house, gather weapons, and turn the wine shop’s belongings into defenses and ammunition while Courfeyrac offers its owner an absurd consolation. Gavroche drives the work forward with restless energy, but Enjolras refuses to give children guns before the men have enough.
What happens
- Courfeyrac claims the destruction of Mother Hucheloup’s property avenges the government fine she resents, but she finds little comfort.
- Recruits bring explosive and burning materials, smash streetlamps, and build two barricades under Enjolras, Combeferre, and Courfeyrac.
- The varied insurgents share hopes of support, melt tableware into bullets, and help the frightened women prepare lint.
- An unnamed tall man helps build the smaller barricade, while the young visitor seeking Monsieur Marius disappears.
- Gavroche energizes the workers, explains the defensive use of glass, and demands a working gun.
- Enjolras puts armed men before children, and a passing dandy flees when Gavroche invites him to join.
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In this chapter
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Why does Gavroche want a glass door placed on the barricade?
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