The First Attack - Tumblr Posts

So much is going on in such a short chapter! Why did everyone leave the barricade?! It’s fortunate that Gavroche “had not quitted his post,” otherwise this initial attack could have been fatal to all of them! Bahorel was the first to act and defend the barricade from the municipal guard, and no! he was the first of Les Amis to be killed. But Hugo does not pause to reflect on this, he has to press on with his narrative, as Courfeyrac and Gavroche are now in danger! The largest guard chose the gamin as his target. And this is where we learn why Gavroche “would have done better to accept Enjolras’ carabine” – because Javert’s gun was not loaded.

Two mysterious and well-directed shots killed two guards attacking Courfeyrac and Gavroche. They are saved, at least for now! Who could this mysterious shooter be? Marius?! Marius, the booby?! What an effective entrance onto the barricade! I recall that when Marius was still living with his grandfather, he claimed he was going hunting. Perhaps it was not a fabricated story after all. Otherwise, I can’t explain where he could learn to shoot so well. And of course, he used Javert’s pistols at last!

Speaking of Javert and his unloaded gun. There could be numerous explanations as to why he did not load it. My interpretation is that he did something directly reflecting Enjolras’ words about “we are judges and not assassins” – Javert is the law, not an assassin. He was not going to kill the guards or the rebels.

And I also have a feeling that time is stretching out. Every episode, represented by a chapter in this book lasts no longer than 10 minutes, yet each is so packed with events and Hugo’s detailed descriptions that it seems that it lasts much longer.