Les Miserables is a novel written by Victor Hugo. The themes of the novel include forgiveness, self sacrifice, and courage. These themes are explored through the characters of Jean Valjean, Javert, Fantine, Cosette, and Marius. Jean Valjean is a man who has been through many trials and tribulations in his life. After being released from prison, he is forced to live on the streets and fend for himself. He eventually meets Fantine, a woman who is in desperate need of help.
Valjean agrees to take care of her daughter, Cosette, and ends up raising her as his own. However, Javert is constantly on the hunt for Valjean, determined to bring him back to prison. Fantine is a woman who has been through a lot of pain and suffering. She is forced to work in a factory and is constantly ridiculed by her coworkers. She eventually becomes ill and dies. Cosette is a young girl who has never known love or happiness.
She is raised by Jean Valjean, but is always afraid of being taken away from him. Marius is a young man who is fighting in the French Revolution. He falls in love with Cosette, but is unsure of how to approach her. Eventually, he must make the choice between love and duty. The themes of Les Miserables are explored throughout these characters’ stories. Forgiveness is shown through Jean Valjean’s willingness to forgive Javert for his persecution.
Self-sacrifice is shown through Fantine’s willingness to sell her hair and body in order to provide for her daughter. Courage is shown through Marius’ willingness to fight in the French Revolution despite the risks involved. Les Miserables is a story about love, sacrifice, and courage. These themes are at the heart of the novel and are explored in a powerful and moving way.
The first thing to consider is forgiveness. Forgiveness thrives in the world of Les Miserables, which is filled with distrust, poverty, and hatred. The case of Jean Valjean visting with the bishop at the start of the novel is a good example of this. Valjean stole his silver and ran off, and he was subsequently apprehended by police. However, when police questioned the bishop about the missing money, he stated that he had given it to Valjean.
This was the first time that Jean Valjean was given a second chance, and he took it. He knew that if he ever ran into the bishop again, hed be arrested, but he was so grateful for what the bishop had done for him that he decided to change his ways.
This theme of forgiveness is seen throughout Les Miserables. When Fantine is fired from her job and she has no way to support her child, she turns to prostitution to make money. However, when she is caught by the police and they take her child away from her, she doesnt blame anyone but herself. She knows that she made a mistake and she accepts the consequences.
Even when Javert is chasing after Valjean, Valjean knows that he could have easily escaped, but he chooses to stay and face Javert instead. He knows that he is going to be caught, but he wants to face his punishment so that he can start over with a clean slate.
The second theme is self-sacrifice. Les Miserables is full of characters who are willing to sacrifice themselves for others. The most obvious example of this is Jean Valjean. He has spent his entire life doing whatever it takes to survive, but when he decides to take on the identity of Monsieur Madeleine,he starts sacrificing himself for others. He opens up a factory where the workers can earn a livable wage, and he provides them with food and shelter. He also helps Javert when he is in trouble, even though it could mean his own downfall.
Another character who demonstrates self-sacrifice is Fantine. After she loses her job, she sells her hair and teeth so that she can make money to support her child. And when she finally does lose her child, she doesnt complain or blame anyone; she just accepts it and moves on.
Finally, there is Cosette. Even though she has been through a lot in her life, she never complains and always tries to see the best in people. She is willing to sacrifice herself for others, whether its by standing up to the Thénardiers or by forgiving Jean Valjean for all of his mistakes.
The final theme is courage. Les Miserables is full of characters who are willing to stand up for what they believe in, even when the odds are against them. Jean Valjean is a perfect example of this. He knows that he is going to be caught by Javert, but he doesnt run away.
He stays and faces his punishment, knowing that it will mean a life in prison. And Cosette is another great example of courage. She stands up to the Thénardiers, even though they are threatening her life. And she forgives Jean Valjean for all of his mistakes, even though it isnt easy for her.
Another illustration of forgiveness is two-way. Javert, in his quest for Valjean, is captured by revolutionaries. Valjean asks for and receives permission to take Javert outside and kill him as a reward for saving several of these insurgents’ lives.
Valjean only wanted to be left alone, and he hoped that Javert’s kindness would persuade him to change his mind. The second option is that after capturing Valjean, Javert lets him go in the end. Because Javert had broken the law he so cherished, he subsequently kills himself by leaping into a river shortly after.
Self-sacrifice is also a major theme in Les Miserables. Fantine sells her hair, and then her teeth, to get money for her daughter Cosette. She does this knowing that she will most likely die from the harsh working conditions at the factory where she works. Later on, Cosette is kidnapped by the Thenardiers, and it takes Javert’s help to find her and bring her back to Fantine.
Fantine dies happy knowing that Cosette is safe and being taken care of. Finally, there is Jean Valjean himself. He spends 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister, and then breaks parole in order to protect Cosette. He knows that he will be caught and sent back to prison, but he does it anyway. All of these examples show how self sacrifice is a major theme in Les Miserables.
In conclusion, Les Miserables is a book about forgiveness, self-sacrifice, and courage. These themes are seen throughout the book, and they are all examples of the good in humanity. Les Miserables is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.