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 poor in post-revolutionary France. The story follows various characters, particularly Jean Valjean, as they navigate their lives against a backdrop of social inequality and political upheaval, reflecting the romantic ideals of individuality and moral complexity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Victor Hugo wrote Les Misérables as a response to the social injustices and poverty he witnessed in 19th-century France, aiming to raise awareness about the plight of the lower classes.
2. The character of Jean Valjean represents the struggle for redemption and personal transformation, illustrating the theme that people can change and overcome their past.
3. The novel features several intersecting storylines, including that of Fantine, a single mother who sacrifices everything for her daughter Cosette, emphasizing maternal love and sacrifice.
4. Les Misérables also incorporates historical events such as the June Rebellion of 1832, serving as a backdrop for the characters' struggles and highlighting the tension between the ruling classes and the working poor.
5. Hugo's work has had a lasting impact on literature and culture, inspiring numerous adaptations in theater, film, and music, demonstrating its continued relevance in discussions about social justice.

Review Questions

• How does Victor Hugo utilize characters in Les Misérables to illustrate themes of social injustice?
  • In Les Misérables, Victor Hugo uses characters like Jean Valjean and Fantine to exemplify social injustice faced by the impoverished. Valjean's transformation from a convict to a benefactor showcases the idea that individuals can redeem themselves despite societal condemnation. Similarly, Fantine's tragic story reveals how systemic poverty forces individuals into desperate situations, highlighting the need for compassion and reform in society.
• Discuss the significance of the June Rebellion in Les Misérables and its representation of the struggle for social change.
  • The June Rebellion serves as a pivotal moment in Les Misérables, illustrating the desperate fight for social change amidst political oppression. Through characters like Enjolras and Marius, Hugo portrays youthful idealism and the yearning for justice against a backdrop of suffering. This rebellion symbolizes both hope and futility, encapsulating the broader struggles of the lower classes during a time of unrest in France.
• Evaluate how Les Misérables reflects Romantic ideals while addressing critical social issues of 19th-century France.
  • Les Misérables embodies Romantic ideals through its focus on emotion, individuality, and moral complexity while simultaneously confronting pressing social issues such as poverty and injustice. Hugo’s rich character development emphasizes personal struggle against societal constraints, revealing a belief in human potential for goodness. By intertwining these themes with historical context, such as revolutions and class struggles, Hugo creates a powerful narrative that resonates with both Romanticism's celebration of human experience and an urgent call for social reform.

Related terms

Romanticism:

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

June Rebellion: A short-lived insurrection in Paris in June 1832 that is depicted in Les Misérables, reflecting the political turmoil and desire for social justice during this period.

Socialism:

A political and economic theory advocating for collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods, which resonates with the social critiques presented in Les Misérables.