CATALYA, SHYRA KATE - Historical Criticism

1. What is the agenda behind the creation of Les Misérables (Victor Hugo)?
2. What are the circumstances of the life of Victor Hugo that led him to write
Les Misérables. (#1&2 – 1 par.)
Victor Hugo's novel "Les Miserable" was published in 1862; it is a complex

work with multiple themes and agendas. It is a sweeping social novel that
addresses various social, political, and moral issues of its time. Specifically
concerned with the social problems of urban France, in which this country
shows all the best and worst qualities of humanity. One of the primary agendas
in the story focuses on the social injustices and inequalities in French society
during the 19th century. In addition, it emphasizes that humanitarianism values
are evident throughout the story because it shows the essence of the
importance of compassion and empathy towards each other, leading to
alleviating their suffering. In terms of the circumstances that led Hugo to write
his monument novel is because of early life that he was exposed to a social
conditions because of his family situation especially in his father military duties.
Other factor is his personal tragedies in life due to the empathy for the plight of
the underprivileged. This was happened when his father died and losses his
father has become deeply impacted him and contributed to his exploration of
themes like grief, redemption and human condition. Because of this it has
become the way to his commitment to shedding light on their struggles and
advocating their rights became the driving force behind the novel “Les
Miserable”.
3. What historical events or movements might have influenced this

writer?
4. How does Les Miserables reflect the time in which it was written?
(#3&4 – 1 par)
Victo Hugo’s life and writings were strongly influenced him as a writer by
historical events and movement of his time by the Fresh revolution because
this had a profound impact to Hugo’s worldview and his belief in social justice.
Another influence is the Romanticism, the romantic movement was embraced
by Hugo to emphasized individualism, emotion and rebellion against societal
norms. Also, given on what I have search on the industrial revolution had also
influenced him as a writer because this was occurred during 18 th and 19th
centuries that brought about the significant social and economic changes. The
novel Les Miserable is deeply reflective of the time in which it was written and
capturing the essence of social, political, and cultural context during 19th
century France in a social inequality that portrays the division between the
poor and rich highlighting the suffering endured by the lower classes. Another
is the political turmoil; Hugo explores the impact of political systems on society
particularly the abuses of power and the corruption within the ruling. When Les
Miserable was written, it is more likely that it endured different struggles and
contradictions of the era. It is a testament to Victor Hugo’s commitment to
advocate for social change.
5. How accurately does the story depict the time in which it is set?
6. How does the story reflect the attitudes and beliefs of the time in which
it was written or set? (Consider beliefs and attitudes related to race,
religion, politics, gender, society, philosophy, etc.) (#5&6 1 -par)
Les Miserable provides a vivid portrayal of the social and political realities
of19th century France, the story involving a work of fiction and not a strictly
historical account. It reflects many historical events and conditions and also
incorporates fictional elements taken by Hugo. In terms of social inequality, the
novel accurately depicts the vast disparities between rich and poor and
struggles endured by the urban underclass. Moreover, it reflects the political
era particularly the tensions and subsequent political transition. It also touches
historical events such as the Battle of Waterloo and June Rebellion situating its
narrative within historical context. The story reflect the attitudes and beliefs of
the time in which it was written in a way that in the aspect of race the novel
does not extensively address issues of race, as the story primarily focuses on
social class and poverty. In terms of politics, it reflects on the political climate
happened in 19th century in France which was characterized by a struggle
between republicanism and monarchism. Because Victim himself was a
Republican and used his novel to critique the abuses of power and other social
problems. In the aspect of gender, women are often portrayed as virtuous, self-
sacrificing and morally upright characters because this was the expectations of
the prevailing gender roles of the 19 th century. And the society, the novel
provides a critique of social inequalities and injustices. It highlights the vast
divide between the rich and the poor, exposing the hardships faced by the
urban underclass. The narrative condemns the exploitation of the lower
classes by the bourgeoisie and the injustices perpetuated by the judicial
system.

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1. What is the agenda behind the creation of Les Misérables (Victor Hugo)?

Victor Hugo's novel "Les Miserable" was published in 1862; it is a complex

3. What historical events or movements might have influenced this

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