Wretchedness In Les Miserables

A common theme in many great works of literature is that of forgiveness. Through studying some of these classics, we can learn the lesson that forgiving others, lets you to let go of hate and anger, and to draw nearer to God; this helps people to be happier and to obtain peace, even in terrible circumstances. First, in Left to Tell, Immaculée was able to find comfort and peace, when she found it in her heart to forgive. Second, in Blood Brothers, Elias found comfort and strength in the understanding that Christ loves and forgives all. Third, in Les Miserables, we see the results of being selfless and choosing to forgive. In this essay, we will examine this fundamental theme in the books Left to Tell by Immaculée Ilibagiza, Blood Brothers by Elias Chacour, and Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.

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.

Sacrifice is seen throughout the Les Miserables, because it is a prominent part of human living. Sacrifice is greater in those who have less. Hugo conveys sacrifice through the characters Jean Valjean and Fantine, showing how they sacrificed in order to gain a better life, self-forgiveness

The protagonist’s transformation begins when the bishop recognizes Jean Valjean’s human soul that is capable of goodness. When he is put out into the streets, Valjean goes from place to place being rejected for being a convict until he meets the bishop who sees him as a common person, “That men saw his mask, but the bishop saw his face”(75). Even though people might be good, they don’t always see someone’s true soul. The bishop’s simple act of kindness and deeper understanding

I agree with the statement that “In Les Misérables, Victor Hugo is trying to say that human nature is basically good”. Good is defined as someone with good intentions that will put other people’s needs above their own, without the need of self-gain. Along with someone who acts morally right. This definition of good is displayed throughout Victor Hugo’s characters. Many characters have good intentions of wanting to help others.

In the eyes of Valjean he is a kind, caring, and forgiving man. He has repented for his sins and changed his life. He is the epitome of change and reform. I chooses to live in a Valjean world because I believe in second chances and starting over. It is one of the pillars that makes life worth living. Imagine if we were never given a second chance at something, no do-overs, no starting over. All there is, is a lifetime of mistakes and heartache. That does not seem like a pleasant world to live in, yet some people think like that. I personally choose to forgive and forget, it makes life much more pleasurable to live in if there are no grudges being

Similarly, another critic believes that the morals and peer pressure of a dauntless society are what causes Man to become evil. This evil slowly forces them to progress into “hardened ruffians” that are forced to resort to a pis aller in order to regain some hope for themselves. Thus, society cannot evolve (Lewes 245). Contrary to what Reeves believes, Critic Moss believes that misfortune is the sole cause of one’s faults and that the main theme of the novel is the barrier between “those who choose degradation and those who are driven to it” (228). Furthermore, the critic Napierkowski believes that the meaning of life is love and that through the love that all people receive, any number of traits can be changed. She explicates that change is extremely relevant in the case of Jean Valjean who is a convict turned upstanding citizen. She also recalls that in the novel Valjean is only transformed due to the love he receives from the Bishop of Digne, who gave Valjean everything that he had (Novels for Students). Reeves, again, also explores the concept that Hugo is trying to prove that humans need to love each other for the world to be a happier place (Masterplots). Thus, through evidence in Les Misérables, the aforementioned themes can easily be proven.

In the beginning of the movie, Jean Valjean is in prison for 19 years, however Javert releases him and tells him not to forget what the law has said. When Valjean is released, he struggles to find warmth and food. A Bishop stumbles upon Jean and offers him that warmth and food. He allows Valjean to stay at the church able overnight, but seeing all the silver and someone who needs money, Jean steals but shortly is caught by Javert for stealing and brings him forth to the Bishop. The Bishop demonstrates the “spirit of the law” by saying Jean did not steal any of this silver, but he gave it to him. Seeing how the Bishop was so generous to Jean, he decides that he will become an honest man and uses the silver to start a new identity and become mayor of his new town.

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.

Generally, authors compose books that go along with the morals of the audience. So many stories are written today with the typical love story, girl falls in love with guy or vice versa. Others are action packed with a climax and a predictable ending. Victor Hugo took a different stance while writing his book Les Miserables. Hugo's idea of action is presented through Jean Valjean who is held in prison for four years because he stole a loaf of bread. He includes unique love stories unlike the typical ones that we read about. Hugo's main purpose is to challenge people to consider their morals on forgiveness and love.

"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.

Les Miserables is a characteristic romantic work in both theme and form. In theme the novel assaults the traditional social structure, glorifies freedom of thought and spirit, and makes a hero of the average individual. In this novel the several characters were portrayed as heros. It follows the lives and interactions of several French

Throughout Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables, the character Jean Valjean, the Patron-Minette, and Gavroche have a lot in common. What defines them as people, though, are their actions in life and the actions of others. Hugo emphasizes how the lack of those things (education and kindness) leads to criminal ways and an ungratified way of life. No one has shown them affection or kindness which leads them to believe society is mean and they develop hatred towards it. Not one of them were educated, which leads to ignorance and a lack of opportunities in life, which leads to crime in the long run.