Les Miserables Research Paper

Everyone has their own idea of what a hero is and what a hero does. Most people think that guys like superman and batman are heroes because they have incredible superpowers and they are famous people who receive glory. Many people describe heroes as strong and indestructible people, however, heroes are actually not always famous and they are not always the way that society portrays them. In fact, most heroes are ordinary people who do extraordinary things and have notable traits for society to follow. Although heroes are mostly overlooked or misinterpreted by many people, a hero is always a courageous, selfless, and persistent person who has the determination to create change for the better.

“It’s not true that there are no heroes anymore…” (Oliver Stone SB 63) Heroes. Today when we hear heroes we think of superheroes with powers. but have we really thought what heroes really are? Heroes are your regular everyday people that work to the best of their abilities to make a difference in the world. A hero is not someone who thinks about themselves but someone who does things that they believe are right and are admired or idealized for their courage.

A hero in modern terms can be defined as someone who is admired or idealized for their courage, achievements, or qualities. In addition to these characteristics heroes are people with a skills, intelligence,

There are many variations when definitions what is a hero. Some people think of a hero as being someone who is strong, intelligent, attractive, and daring others think of capes and superhuman powers. Typically our perception of a hero changes with maturity and life experiences. Heroes have many different qualities that can be overlooked such as honesty, patience, compassion, and forgiveness. Merriam Webster’s simple definition of a hero is a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities (cited).

What is a hero? When I ask myself this, a few things come to mind. Police officer, firefighter, superman. But what is a hero really? Someone who is brave? Strong? Smart? Perhaps, but I believe there is more. To me, heroic traits are selflessness, courage, perseverance, patience and many other things. Like beauty, heroism isn't skin deep. It isn't the cape that makes the hero, its the purpose.

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles”(Christopher Reeve). Still to this day, heroes are portrayed as people who risk their lives in order to help others, but is that what a hero really is? A hero can also be somebody who is loyal, honest, and selfless, and they don’t necessarily have to risk their lives for others. Furthermore, everyday heroes are the people who influence the world such as a mother and father, who are heroes to their kids, to doctors and surgeons who are always saving lives.

Throughout the story of the Les Miserables, the distribution of power varies throughout the different sections of the book and situations within them. Javert always has hold this sort of power over Jean Valjean for pretty much the whole story. In the beginning chapters, Jean was considered dangerous and a convict. Javert treats him like this for the rest of his life, no matter the good he does. Javert feels like it’s his duty to obey and enforce the law and he will go to whatever lengths to pursue that. “His mental attitude was compounded of two very simple principles, admirable in themselves but which, by carrying them to extremes, he made almost evil – respect for authority and hatred of revolt against it.” stated by Hugo to describe Javert’s black and white way of thinking. Jean lived in constant fear of Javert arresting him and taking him back to the galleys.

What exactly is a hero? To some it’s a fictional character with a cape who possesses a special power that helps them do great things for others; and to others it a completely different story. To me, a hero is someone who has made a good difference on not just my life, but others as well and has inspired us to never give up, to better ourselves, and to try and live life to the fullest. For example, Josh Hamilton, he has made a big difference and has had a good impact on my life in probably every aspect you can think of and not only that, but he has shown me that you can always get back up and fight, you can always overcome your life’s obstacles, also he has shown me that you should always have your faith in the Lord.

Thénardier, scavenging for valuables among the dead bodies, steals Marius's ring. Valjean escapes through the sewers carrying Marius, but is confronted by Javert at the end tunnel. Javert threatens to shoot Valjean if he doesn’t surrender, but Valjean just ignores him and leave. Unable to resolve his internal conflict between his civil responsibilities and morality, Javert commits suicide by jumping off a bridge into the Seine river.

What is a hero? A hero is not somebody with the ability to fly, run really fast, or control other people's minds,... A hero is a random person that rises to the occasion and performs the action(s) of superhero proportions. “The only use of an obstacle is to be overcome. All that an obstacle does with brave men is, not to frighten them, but to challenge them.” (Woodrow Wilson). I agree with Woodrow that to be truly heroic, one must have leaderships, bravery, intelligence,... to solve common problems in our society. There are many examples of heroes in our modern day world as well as fictional characters. For instances, Odysseus in the Odyssey, Bilbo Baggins in the Hobbit and my mom have those characteristics of heroism.

A hero is somebody who inflicts an unforgettable act of positivity, either for their community or towards the world. Heroes require certain qualities that will cause them to be their very best. These qualities include extreme willpower, durability, and independence. Although many people think it’s difficult being a hero, there have been many ordinary men and women throughout history that have influenced the society we live in today. The people chosen are leaders not just in America, but around the globe.

Javert's character at first seems stern and inflexible but he experiences change just like the other two characters. Throughout Les Mis Javert enforces the law without even thinking about the laws being just or moral themselves. When Javert arrest Fantine and Madeline, or Jean Valjean, tells him to let her go, Javert is confused and says, "I obey my duty. My duty requires that this woman spend six months in prison" (75). Javert's comment illustrates how he does not even care what would happen to Fantine's daughter if she went to prison, just that she be punished. Also Javert spends a lot of time chasing Valjean around even when he know that Valjean is taking care of Cosette and that if Valjean went to prison Cosette would have no one to take care of her. Javert begins to change after Jean Valjean shows him mercy that Javert never showed him. Javert is affected by this and later repays the favor. He does this when he finds Jean Valjean on the beach with Marius after Valjean saved Marius. Instead of immediately arresting Valjean he

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself” (Campbell 1). When we think of heroes most of us think of movie stars or professional athletes, but it’s not always about your popularity or talent it can also be about how you help society. What I think make a great hero is someone who is able to overcome his or her obstacles in life, is highly motivated, and has plenty of bravery.

Throughout the entire musical, Javert has never wavered from the law. He thinks the law is just and right and there is no mercy for those who break the law. Javert only sees right and wrong, he has no sympathy for convicts and does what he must to remain just. Javert believes that he is doing the will of God by justifying his actions to what he believes is right. Javert dedicates himself to find Valjean and imprison him yet again. He is conflicted because Jean Valjean let him go free when he had the chance to kill him and Javert thinks that there is no room on this world for the both it is either Valjean or Javert.

When the word "hero" is spoken, everyone has different thoughts. Some will think of super powers like flying and saving people from villains; while others have a certain person they know or have heard of that come to mind who have done something to make a difference in the lives of others but who is a hero to you? To answer this question you must first ask yourself what a hero is; what comes to your mind when someone says the word. When I am confronted with these questions I always have the same thoughts; smart, strong will power, and someone who stands up for what they believe is right.