Original Text(~250 words)
In those days, so different from those in which we are now living, when the time came for the people to understand, when the hour struck for them to learn their letters in the great book of events, there existed in Paris, among other affiliations of that nature, a society called the Friends of the A B C. The Friends of the A B C were few in number. It was a secret society in the embryonic state. We might almost say a coterie, if coteries could end in heroes. They assembled in Paris, in two localities, near the fish-market, in a wine-shop called Corinthe, and near the Panthéon, in a little café in the Rue Saint-Michel called the Café Musain. The first of these meeting-places was frequented by working-men, the second by students. The ordinary sessions of the Friends of the A B C were held in a back room of the Café Musain. This room, which was tolerably remote from the café proper, with which it was connected by an extremely long corridor, had two windows and a back door with a private stairway on the little Rue des Grès. They smoked and drank and played and laughed there. They talked very loud about everything, and in whispers of something else. Marius discovers the Friends of the ABC, a secret society of young student revolutionaries who meet in the back room of Café Musain. Led by the passionate Enjolras, these idealistic young men dedicate themselves to republican ideals...
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Summary
Marius discovers the Friends of the ABC, a secret society of young student revolutionaries who meet in the back room of Café Musain. Led by the passionate Enjolras, these idealistic young men dedicate themselves to republican ideals and social justice. The group includes the skeptical yet loyal Grantaire, the scholarly Combeferre, and other students who balance their romantic notions with genuine political conviction. Through their fervent discussions and planning, Hugo explores the tension between youthful idealism and the harsh realities of political change. Marius finds himself drawn to their cause, which offers both intellectual stimulation and a sense of purpose that fills the void left by his estrangement from his grandfather. The chapter establishes the revolutionary backdrop that will drive much of the novel's climactic action.
That's what happens. To understand what the author is really doing—and to discuss this chapter with confidence—keep reading.
Terms to Know
Republican
In 19th century France, someone who supported a republic rather than monarchy
Modern Usage:
Today we use this to describe someone who believes in representative government and individual rights
Coterie
A small group of people with shared interests, often exclusive
Modern Usage:
Like a tight-knit friend group or professional network that forms around common goals
Embryonic state
Something in its earliest stage of development
Modern Usage:
We'd say something is 'just getting started' or in its 'infancy' - like a startup company or social movement
Characters in This Chapter
Enjolras
Leader of the Friends of the ABC revolutionary group
Represents pure idealism and unwavering commitment to justice
Modern Equivalent:
A passionate activist or protest organizer who inspires others through moral conviction
Grantaire
Skeptical member of the revolutionary group
Provides cynical counterpoint to Enjolras's idealism while remaining loyal
Modern Equivalent:
The friend who questions everything but shows up anyway - like a pessimistic campaign volunteer
Combeferre
Intellectual member of the Friends of the ABC
Balances revolutionary passion with scholarly wisdom and practical thinking
Modern Equivalent:
The policy wonk or academic who brings research and strategy to grassroots movements
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
Learning to distinguish between movements driven by genuine principles versus those driven by emotion or ego
Practice This Today
Before joining any cause, ask: What are the specific goals? Who benefits? What are the likely consequences? Am I being asked to think or just to follow?
You have the foundation. Now let's look closer.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"They talked very loud about everything, and in whispers of something else."
Context: Describing how the revolutionaries discussed ordinary topics openly but kept their real plans secret
Shows how revolutionary movements must balance public face with private planning
In Today's Words:
They chatted normally about regular stuff, but quietly discussed their real agenda.
"We might almost say a coterie, if coteries could end in heroes."
Context: Describing the small size but large ambitions of the revolutionary group
Suggests that small groups of committed people can achieve heroic things
In Today's Words:
Just a small circle of friends, except these friends might change the world.
Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Idealistic Action
When passionate beliefs meet complex reality, creating tension between moral clarity and practical effectiveness
Thematic Threads
Revolution and Social Change
In This Chapter
The ABC society embodies the romantic revolutionary spirit of 1830s France
Development
Shows both the nobility and naivety of revolutionary idealism
In Your Life:
Any time you've wanted to fight against unfairness at work, school, or in your community
Youth and Idealism
In This Chapter
Young students believing they can reshape society through pure conviction
Development
Explores the gap between youthful passion and experienced wisdom
In Your Life:
Remember being certain you could fix things that older people said were 'just how it is'
Friendship and Loyalty
In This Chapter
The bonds formed between the revolutionaries through shared purpose
Development
Shows how common cause creates deep personal connections
In Your Life:
Think about relationships forged through working toward shared goals
Modern Adaptation
The Night Shift Union
Following Jean's story...
Jean discovers a group of warehouse workers who meet secretly after shifts to organize for better conditions. Led by Marcus, a passionate young supervisor, they call themselves the Night Crew Alliance. They gather in the 24-hour diner across from the distribution center, talking loudly about sports and weather while quietly planning actions against mandatory overtime and unsafe working conditions. Jean is drawn to their cause - these workers face the same systemic oppression he experienced in prison. But he's also wary of their youth and inexperience. Marcus reminds him of himself twenty years ago: full of righteous anger but maybe not thinking through the consequences. Jean must decide whether to join their fight or try to guide them toward more strategic action.
The Road
The path of joining movements for social change, risking personal security for collective justice
The Map
Understanding how to channel righteous anger into effective action while maintaining realistic expectations
Amplification
Teaches us to evaluate causes carefully, supporting justice while avoiding the trap of romantic idealism over practical strategy
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What attracts Marius and other young people to the revolutionary cause, and how might these same attractions apply to movements today?
analysis • medium - 2
Have you ever been drawn to a cause that felt urgent and important? What motivated you and how did it turn out?
reflection • deep - 3
How can someone support positive change while avoiding the pitfalls of naive idealism that Hugo shows in the ABC society?
application • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Movement Analysis Framework
Think about a current social or political movement you've observed (online or in person). Apply Hugo's lens to analyze its strengths and potential blind spots.
Consider:
- •What specific, measurable goals does this movement have?
- •Who are the leaders and what's their track record?
- •Are they building bridges or just preaching to the choir?
- •What do opponents say, and is any of it valid?
- •What could go wrong if they succeed completely?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time you felt passionate about changing something. What did you learn about the difference between wanting change and creating effective change?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 29: The Excellence of Misfortune
Moving forward, we'll examine pride can make poverty more painful than necessary, and understand the difference between chosen hardship and forced deprivation. These insights bridge the gap between classic literature and modern experience.