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.