Summary
Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, first published in French in 1862, stands as a significant work of literature for its exploration of social injustice and the pursuit of redemption. Set in early 19th-century France, it presents a backdrop of poverty and political upheaval. The story follows Jean Valjean, an ex-convict seeking redemption in a society unwilling to forgive his past. Key characters include Inspector Javert and Fantine. Hugo examines themes of justice, mercy, and love, challenging individual and societal morals. The novel's wide scope and ethical inquiries combine personal narratives with social critique.
Plot
Les Misérables is set in 19th-century France. It follows Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who spent 19 years in prison for stealing bread. After his release, society shuns him. Bishop Myriel's act of kindness saves Valjean from prosecution, prompting Valjean to seek redemption. Valjean assumes a new identity as Monsieur Madeleine and becomes the mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer. However, his past haunts him as Inspector Javert is determined to reveal his true identity. Meanwhile, Fantine, a struggling woman, sacrifices everything to support her daughter, Cosette. Valjean promises to care for Cosette after Fantine dies.
Valjean rescues Cosette from the neglectful Thénardiers and raises her in Paris. Their lives are disrupted by Javert’s relentless pursuit. During the June Rebellion, Cosette falls in love with Marius Pontmercy, who is involved in the uprising. Their romance develops amid the chaos. Valjean saves Marius during a battle at the barricades but chooses mercy over vengeance by sparing Javert. This act leads the inspector to a tragic moral crisis.
Marius and Cosette eventually marry, but Valjean distances himself due to his past. In his final days, they learn of his significant impact on their lives. Valjean dies at peace, redeemed by love and cared for by those he cherished.
Characters
Jean Valjean: The central figure, an ex-convict who becomes a selfless individual through acts of kindness. His commitment to his adopted daughter, Cosette, drives much of the narrative.
Inspector Javert: The main antagonist, who pursues Valjean relentlessly. Guided by a strict moral code, Javert is determined to capture Valjean, representing a conflict between justice and mercy.
Fantine: A woman struggling with illness and poverty, Fantine exemplifies sacrifice. Initially hopeful, she becomes desperate to support her daughter, Cosette. Valjean meets her, promising to care for Cosette after her death.
Cosette: Fantine’s daughter, Cosette represents hope and renewal. Her life transforms from hardship with the Thénardiers to being cherished by Valjean and falling in love with Marius.
Marius Pontmercy: A passionate law student, Marius embodies youthful idealism. He joins the revolutionaries known as the Friends of the ABC and loves Cosette.
Éponine: The daughter of the Thénardiers, Éponine represents unrequited love and resilience. Her loyalty to Marius leads her to the barricades, resulting in a final act of sacrifice.
Thénardiers (Monsieur and Madame): A couple who symbolize greed and manipulation. They initially mistreat Cosette and later delve into crime.
Gavroche: The Thénardiers' son, Gavroche embodies youthful rebellion. As a street urchin, he heroically sacrifices himself during the uprising.
Bishop Myriel (Charles-François-Bienvenu Myriel): A cleric who initiates Valjean's redemption. Despite his brief appearance, his kindness and forgiveness influence Valjean's transformation.
Friends of the ABC: A group of revolutionary students, the Friends of the ABC play a key role in the June Rebellion. Led by figures like Enjolras and Grantaire, they strive for justice and freedom, capturing the era's revolutionary spirit.
Setting
Spanning several decades, Les Misérables closely aligns with the historical shifts in 19th-century France. The novel begins with the backdrop of the French Revolution’s aftermath, a period of significant societal change. Starting in 1789, the Revolution dismantled the absolute monarchy and promoted liberty, equality, and fraternity. This shift underpins Hugo's examination of justice and social inequity. Characters such as Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert reflect the novel's exploration of human rights and moral challenges. While Hugo does not depict the Revolution directly, its influence permeates French society in the novel. The societal changes resonate in Marius Pontmercy's view that the Revolution instilled hope among the long-oppressed. However, the chaos of this time recurs as characters confront a world full of instability while pursuing redemption and justice.
The 1832 June Rebellion occurred during economic hardship and political discontent with King Louis-Philippe's July Monarchy. The rebellion aimed to challenge the monarchy and restore republican ideals. Hugo captures the fervor and ultimate disappointment of this insurrection through Marius Pontmercy and the youth group known as the Friends of the ABC. The expected widespread support for the rebellion does not occur, isolating the insurgents. Hugo portrays this through scenes that convey both the hope and despair of the revolutionaries. By incorporating this historic event, Hugo sets a dynamic backdrop for his characters and comments on the ongoing pursuit of justice.
Themes
Justice
In Les Misérables, Victor Hugo contrasts legal and moral justice through the characters Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert. Valjean, imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread, becomes a symbol of moral justice. His transformation begins when Bishop Myriel allows him to keep stolen silver. This act sets Valjean on a path of altruism. He cares for Fantine's daughter and spares Javert's life. These actions demonstrate his commitment to moral justice, beyond legal constraints. In contrast, Inspector Javert represents strict legal justice. His relentless pursuit of Valjean, despite Valjean’s redemption, highlights the limitations of rigid legal systems. Javert’s actions question the morality of a legal system that ignores personal growth and redemption.
Love, redemption, and mercy
Themes of love, redemption, and mercy are central in Jean Valjean's journey in Les Misérables. After leaving prison, Valjean experiences a significant life change through an unexpected act of mercy. Bishop Myriel forgives Valjean for theft and gives him silver candlesticks. This act initiates Valjean's transformation from a criminal to someone focused on altruism. It shows that love and mercy can lead to personal redemption.
Valjean's relationship with Cosette reshapes his life. He adopts and raises her, protecting her from his past hardships. Love emerges as a redemptive force when Valjean saves Cosette's partner, Marius, during the barricades. He takes great personal risks, allowing Cosette to pursue her own future.
Valjean also decides to spare Inspector Javert’s life, which marks another step in his evolution. This decision challenges Javert’s strict view of justice. It has a profound effect on Javert, showing how compassion can alter deeply held beliefs. The novel demonstrates that love and mercy are powerful forces for personal and societal change, consistently weaving these themes into its narrative.
Quick facts
Victor Hugo wrote Les Misérables over a span of 20 years, publishing it in 1862 while in exile.
Jean Valjean's character, imprisoned for 19 years for stealing bread, illustrates the novel's critique of the harsh 19th-century justice system.
The character of Jean Valjean was inspired partially by a real-life ex-convict, Eugène François Vidocq, who became a renowned philanthropist.
Les Misérables is renowned for themes of redemption, social injustice, poverty, and moral dilemmas.
Les Misérables includes extensive historical accounts, such as the Battle of Waterloo and the June Rebellion of 1832.
Les Misérables contains an exceptionally long sentence of 800 words, showcasing Hugo’s distinctive and detailed style.
Hugo integrates long digressions, such as devoting more than 50 pages to the Battle of Waterloo, making the novel challenging yet insightful.
Jean Valjean’s transformative arc from ex-convict to compassionate caregiver symbolizes the novel's central theme of redemption.
Inspector Javert represents rigid justice, contrasting Valjean's mercy, providing profound ethical and moral tension.
Fantine's tragic story illustrates societal prejudice and the severe disadvantages women faced in 19th-century France.
Les Misérables has sparked numerous adaptations in various media, most notably the highly successful, long-running musical first staged in 1985.
Film adaptations
1935: Richard Boleslawski directed this adaptation featuring Fredric March and Charles Laughton. It was the first English-language version of Les Miserables and alters Victor Hugo’s original political themes. Marius and his peers appear as part of a Students' Society Law Reform instead of revolutionaries. This change introduces a conservative angle, differing from the novel's progressive tone.
1998: Starring Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush, this film simplifies the novel’s political elements. Marius’s revolutionary nature is less prominent, and Valjean appears more violent compared to his compassionate portrayal in the book. Although Fantine’s struggles receive more focus, the film reduces the overarching theme of fighting systemic poverty.
2012: Directed by Tom Hooper, this version is faithful to the highly successful stage musical, which debuted in London and ran on Broadway from March 12, 1987, to May 18, 2003. Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway lead the cast, capturing the musical's emotional depth while referencing Hugo’s work. While addresses themes of redemption and struggle, the movie simplifies character motivations and political contexts for a general audience.
About the author
Victor Hugo (1802-1885) was a French author, social and political activist, and central figure in 19th-century literature. While his mother supported the monarchy, his father served as a general under Napoleon. This influenced Hugo's political transformation from monarchism to republicanism and social activism. Hugo played a key role in the Romantic movement. He used his literary work, particularly Les Misérables, to address the injustices of his time. His work sought to generate empathy for marginalized groups and encourage societal reform. Beyond literature, Hugo also impacted the visual arts and advocated against capital punishment and slavery. His writings continue to be relevant, inspiring adaptations and discussions on justice and human rights.
