Les misérables

Definition

Les Misérables is a novel written by Victor Hugo, published in 1862, that explores themes of justice, redemption, and the struggles of the impoverished in post-revolutionary France. The story follows the life of Jean Valjean, a former convict seeking redemption, as he navigates through a society filled with social injustice and moral complexity, reflecting the political and social upheaval of the Romantic period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Les Misérables is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century and significantly influenced French literature and social thought.
2. The novel portrays the harsh realities faced by the poor and critiques the social injustices prevalent in 19th-century France, such as poverty, child labor, and lack of education.
3. The character of Jean Valjean embodies the struggle for redemption and transformation, representing Hugo's belief in the potential for personal change despite societal constraints.
4. Hugo wrote Les Misérables during a time of political turmoil in France, including the aftermath of the French Revolution and rising movements for social reform.
5. The book is divided into five volumes, each addressing different aspects of society and morality while intertwining the lives of its diverse characters.

Review Questions

• How does Victor Hugo use Jean Valjean's character to illustrate themes of redemption and justice in Les Misérables?
  • Hugo uses Jean Valjean's journey from a hardened ex-convict to a compassionate benefactor to explore themes of redemption and justice. Valjean's character demonstrates that individuals can change for the better despite their past mistakes. His struggles against societal judgment and his ultimate quest for redemption highlight Hugo's critique of a punitive justice system that fails to understand human compassion.
• In what ways does Les Misérables reflect the social conditions of 19th-century France, particularly regarding poverty and inequality?
  • Les Misérables vividly depicts the dire social conditions of 19th-century France through its portrayal of poverty, child labor, and systemic inequality. The novel illustrates how society marginalizes the poor while also revealing the harsh realities they endure. By showcasing characters like Fantine and Gavroche, Hugo emphasizes that social reform is necessary to address these injustices and improve the lives of those struggling in despair.
• Evaluate how Hugo's depiction of social injustice in Les Misérables contributes to the broader Romantic movement's ideals and goals.
  • Hugo's portrayal of social injustice in Les Misérables aligns with Romanticism by emphasizing emotion, individual struggle, and societal critique. The novel's exploration of poverty and moral dilemmas reflects Romantic ideals by focusing on personal experience over reason. Furthermore, Hugo’s call for compassion toward marginalized individuals embodies the Romantic goal of advocating for social change through deep emotional engagement with human suffering.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and intellectual movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature, often reacting against the Industrial Revolution and Enlightenment rationalism.

Socialism: A political and economic theory advocating for collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods, addressing inequalities in society.

Gothic Literature: A genre that combines fiction, horror, death, and romance, often set in dark and mysterious settings that reflect themes of human struggle and emotional depth.