Justice and Love in Hugo's Les Misérables

I agree with the statement that in the novel Les Miserables, the author Victor Hugo is trying to say that human nature is basically good. In the most basic sense, the definition of good trying to do the right thing, even if there are negative consequences. It often means having to sacrifice and give up something to do the right thing. Throughout the book, many characters sacrifice their happiness and morals in order to do what they believe is the right and fair thing. Even when faced with serious consequences for being honest, characters more often than not still choose to do the right thing. Some may argue that Victor Hugo is saying that human nature is basically evil because some characters commit evil actions. However, in most cases, characters don’t always have evil intentions, their execution is just poor and makes them seem evil. Everyone thinks of themselves as a hero, almost everything a character does is because that’s what they believe is the right thing to do. Whether or not it really is could be up for debate but for the most part, most characters don’t have evil intentions and attempt to usually do the right thing. Victor Hugo is saying that as a whole, human nature is inherently good.

"It is precisely of him that I wished to speak. Dispose of me as you please; but help me first to carry him home. I only ask that of you." Upon examination of Les Miserables, it is clearly evident that the elements of Forgiveness, Self – Sacrifice, and Courage are only a few of the main themes Hugo wanted to develop.

The development of the United States of America in the 19th Century caused change, and although the change was both positive and negative at different points, the change was primarily positive. Throughout the entire course of the late 19th Century, mainly Reconstruction, Westward Settlement, and the Gilded age, changes were being made that would positively impact the future of the United States as a nation.

Just after the French and Indian War, Great Britain was at the top of the world, broke. The war had taken almost

The nineteenth century Britain was transfigured by the industrial revolution. The early 19th century was an era of political and social disruption in England. The 19 century affected the social, political, and economic within the nation.

The century of the 1800s is a time period marked by progress. Major industrialization had began to spread around England like a wildfire of new inventions, increased production and a step away from the old-fashioned putting out system of yesteryears. Not just England but all of Western Europe and even the Americas would begin to experience a new age of industry that would ultimately change the world in so many ways. However, in any kind of revolution, there are parts of it that are not so glorious. Horrible working conditions, political movements, and conflicting radical theories would introduce another the people during the industrial age to push for reform to bring about social change.

The nineteenth century is a time marked by the gilded age. The gilded age is known as time of mass progress but also poverty. With a growing economy the United States shifts to industrialization. This leads to a massive need for unskilled labor. Many people were drawn to factories and worked for wages.

The Period of 1800-1860 was the era of political revolution, religion and reform. I’m surprised to read Europeans’ view about American politicians. How they praised republican society and criticized American politicians. There was a revolution in government policy. Two new parties emerged, the Democrats and the Whigs. Removal Act was equally revolutionary. The new party system established that matched the economic advancement of both the Industrial Revolution and the Market Revolution. In mid-nineteenth century there were four major cultural movements; transcendentalist reform, communalism, abolitionism, and women’s rights.

The 19th century promised many great social and technological advances such as, reconstruction, many immigrants moving to America, the industrial revolution, and the first phone call. All these advances lead to a social change in American society. This was also the first time that American women, specifically the working class, were being allowed to work. Often finding work in factories, it was the first taste of independence outside of the household

The French Revolution national mobilization politically and economically and Napoleonic warfare, including utter destruction of the opposition

The period of 18th and 19th century is marked by the greatest transformations, reformations, revolutions and many other critical events that ever took place in human history. The credit is given to all these revolutions for enlightenment of mankind. The two most important revolutions were the French revolution and the industrial revolution. One can feel that both of these revolutions mutually reinforced each other and later became the back bone of all other revolutions. On the other hand, both revolutions had totally different impacts and consequences at various economical, political and social realms.

Some people will do anything for those they love, no matter what the cost. In literature, this act of sacrifice is often exaggerated and glorified. Almost every novel contains some example of sacrifice, a giving up of something dear and precious without thought of material repayment. Victor Hugo’s novel, Les Misérables, is no exception. It is, in fact, full to overflowing of sacrifice between its different characters. Two such characters are Eponine and Jean Valjean, who each sacrifice an extraordinary amount to other characters.

"True redemption is when guilt leads to good" (Khaled Hosseini). Not one person on earth is completely free from wrongs. Humans have lapses in judgement that can hurt them and others. Some people believe you can be redeemed and can put your wrongs behind you, these people are kind and generous. Others believe you have one chance to get it right, these people are often angry and judgmental. There are also those who believe that someone can't be redeemed, but begin to realize that people can change. By looking at the Bishop, Javert, and Jean Valjean and their actions it becomes clear that Les Miserables is a book about redemption coming to those who did wrongs in their past and the behaviors of those who believe and don't believe.

In his novel, Les Miserables, Victor Hugo identifies the principle social evils of French society through the actions and qualities of his characters. By depicting each of his characters’ struggles through destitute and oppressed measures, Hugo is able to identify the social errors of 19th century France. The fact that characters such as Valjean, Javert, Fantine, and Cosette, attempt to rise above poverty and redeem themselves indicate that such inequalities did, and still do, exist to this day. Through the use of feminist ideals and the criminal injustice system, Hugo attacks the principle social evils that each of his characters face in Les Miserables.

     Another important event, which occurred in Europe in the 19th century, was the reunification of Germany. As for France the long struggle started in 1848. After several decades of repression, a strong desire for reform had developed among the educated and wealthy bourgeoisie. In March 1848 the German liberals started to push for their claims. The princes of the several little states