Germinal Chapter Summary & Analysis - Part V: Chapter 1-6 Summary

Part V: Chapter 1-6 Summary

Deneulin, the owner of the Jean-Bart mine, learns that his miners are about to go on strike and tries desperately to convince them not to. He knows that if a strike erupts, then the mining company of Montsou will eat his mine. In order to avoid such a disastrous outcome, Deneulin manages to convince Chaval to lead the way and stop the strike. Chaval is a selfish and power hungry character who will not hesitate to betray his co-workers. He manages to put an end to the rebellion of the Jean-Bart workers, thus betraying Lantier and the miners of Montsou.

Shortly after work starts at the Jean-Bart pit, a firedamp causes an explosion that knocks Catherine out. Chaval is scared for the girl's life and shows some emotions towards her. Soon afterward, the mine gets attacked and the workers start to relay the news: the miners of Montsou are...
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