Table of Contents
Important Quotes
“Valjean strained his eyes in the distance and called out…”Petit Gervais!…” His cries died away into the mist, without even awakening an echo…[H]is knees suddenly bent under him, as if an invisible power suddenly overwhelmed him with the weight of his bad conscience; he fell exhausted…and cried out, “I’m such a miserable man!”
In Book Two of “Fantine” Valjean’s encounter with Petit Gervais after leaving the bishop’s home. It is here when he first realized his inability to keep his promise to live the life of an honest man – he begins to recognize how immoral he is. Valjean pleads for forgiveness, but receives no response, not even an echo. It is this portrayal of desolation that suggests that Valjean might be experiencing a feeling of emptiness, further expressed when he refers to himself as ‘miserable’.
To owe life to a malefactor…to be, in spite of himself, on a level with a fugitive from justice…to betray society in order to be true to his own conscience; that all these absurdities…should accumulate on himself – this is what prostrated him.
This quote from Book Four of Jean Valjean is used to illustrate the frame of mind that Javert has prior to committing suicide. It is clear how much of an impact Valjean’s mercy and compassion have had on Javert. Torn between fulfilling his obligation to the law, or repaying his debt to Valjean, Javert is extremely bewildered. In the end, it is unconditional love for mankind that wins. Javert feels that there is no way that he can continue his commitment to the law without bias, and drowns himself.
Symbolism
Hugo utilizes symbolism quite consistently throughout the novel. However, the most prevalent symbols are the bishop’s silver candlesticks, and the use of animals such as snakes, birds and insects.
It is noted that the silver candlesticks, belonging to the Bishop, are symbolic of compassion as they create a beacon of light that delivers hope and love. In the start of the novel, the author plays with the contrast between light and dark to support the differences between the bishop and Valjean. When the bishop offers his candlesticks to Valjean, he is symbolically transferring the light inside of him to Valjean as he asks him to promise to lead an honest life.
In speaking of snakes, insects and birds, Hugo regularly uses animals to describe the personas of his main characters. Cosette and Gavroche, for example, where described as ‘creatures of flight’ during their orphaned years. Whereas the Thernardiers we commonly referred to as ‘snakes’.
Key Facts
Full title: Les Miserables
Written By: Victor Hugo
Type of literary work: Novel, and later musical.
Original Language: French
Time and Place of Origin: Paris and The Channel Islands, 1845 to 1862
First published: 1862
Published by: Pagnerre
Viewpoint: Les Miserables is told from the point of view of an all-seeing story teller who frequently addresses the readers. The story teller not only has a deep understanding of the characters, but also is quick to deliver a strong viewpoint of the political unrest of the times.
Setting: France, 1789-1832
Themes: Love and compassion; social injustice; the French Revolution
Symbols: The bishops candlesticks; snakes and birds
Primary conflict: Jean Valjean struggles with letting go of his life as a thief and transforming into an honest and caring man. As time goes on, he fights to stay one step ahead of police inspector, Javert, who wants nothing more than to capture him and send him back to prison. Valjean’s most important mission is to raise his adopted daughter, Cosette.
