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...