Exploring the Depths of

Victor Hugo's Les Misérables

A lecture by Eugene S. Pineda, LPT
Introduction

Published in 1862, this

monumental novel offers a
sweeping exploration of
justice, redemption, and the
human condition against the
backdrop of post-
revolutionary France. We will
examine its key themes,
characters, and the social and
political context that shapes its
narrative.
Historical and Social Context

France Post-Revolution:

Historical Background

Les Misérables is set during a tumultuous period in

French history, encompassing the fall of Napoleon,
the restoration of the monarchy, and the 1832 June
Rebellion.

Social Inequality

The novel paints a vivid picture of the stark social

divisions and economic hardships faced by the
underprivileged. Hugo’s work reflects his critique of
the societal structure and the injustices of the time.

Impact of the Revolution

Social Change: The French Revolution and its

aftermath significantly influence the characters' lives
and the novel’s themes. Hugo explores the failures of
the revolution in addressing poverty and inequality,
and he contrasts revolutionary ideals with their real-
world implications.
About the Author

Name: Victor-Marie Hugo

Birth: February 26, 1802, Besançon,
France
Death: May 22, 1885, Paris, France

Victor Hugo, one of France's most

celebrated literary figures, was born into
a family deeply affected by the political
upheavals of early 19th-century France.
His father, Joseph Léopold Sigisbert
Hugo, was a general in Napoleon's army,
while his mother, Sophie Trébuchet,
came from a royalist family. This mix of
political allegiances would later influence
Hugo’s work and political views.
Les Misérables is a fascinating work
with a rich history. Here are some fun
facts about Victor Hugo’s epic novel and
its various adaptations:

Historical Background: Les Misérables

is set in early 19th-century France and
reflects the social and political upheaval
of the time. Hugo’s novel covers several
decades, including the July Revolution
of 1830 and the June Rebellion of 1832.

Hugo’s Inspiration: Victor Hugo was

deeply influenced by his own
experiences and the plight of the poor in
France. He wrote much of the novel
while in exile on the island of Guernsey,
where he was living in political
banishment.
Length of the Novel: Les Misérables is
quite lengthy, with the original French
edition running over 1,400 pages. It’s
divided into five volumes and includes a
range of subplots and characters.

A Novel with a Play: Hugo’s novel has

inspired numerous adaptations, including
several stage productions. The most
famous is the musical, which premiered in
Paris in 1980 and has since become one of
the most popular and long-running
musicals in history.

Jean Valjean’s Transformation: The

character of Jean Valjean was inspired by
a real-life man whom Hugo had met. The
man was a former convict who had turned
his life around, which deeply moved Hugo
and influenced his portrayal of Valjean.
Hugo’s Artistic Achievements: In
addition to his literary work, Victor
Hugo was also a talented artist. He
created numerous drawings and
paintings, many of which are considered
masterpieces in their own right.

The Sewer Scene: One of the novel’s

most famous scenes takes place in the
Paris sewers. Hugo’s detailed
descriptions of the sewers were so
accurate that they contributed to the
book’s reputation as a thorough and
realistic depiction of 19th-century Paris.

Les Misérables continues to captivate

audiences with its powerful story and
complex characters, and its legacy lives
on in various forms of media.
Lea Salonga is a renowned Filipino singer and actress
who has made a significant mark in the world of
musical theater, and her involvement in Les
Misérables is a notable part of her illustrious career.
Here are some key points about her connection to Les
Misérables:

Role of Eponine: Lea Salonga is well-known for her

role as Eponine in Les Misérables. She played this
character in the international touring production of the
musical during the late 1990s. Her performance was
highly acclaimed and showcased her exceptional vocal
and acting abilities.

Tony Award Winner: Although Salonga did not win a

Tony Award for her role in Les Misérables, she is a
Tony Award winner for her performance as Kim in
Miss Saigon, another major musical by the same
creators, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg.

Notable Performance: Salonga’s portrayal of

Eponine was notable for her powerful interpretation of
the character’s poignant moments, especially her
rendition of “On My Own,” a song that has become
one of the musical’s signature numbers.
Les Misérables in the Movies: There have
been over 50 film adaptations of Les
Misérables, including silent films, TV
movies, and big-budget blockbusters. The
2012 film adaptation, starring Hugh Jackman
and Anne Hathaway, is one of the most
recent and notable.

Hugo’s Novel Impact: The novel has had a

significant cultural impact and has been
translated into numerous languages. Its
themes of justice, redemption, and the
struggles of the poor resonate with readers
around the world.

The Character of Cosette: Cosette, the

young girl saved by Jean Valjean, was
initially a minor character in Hugo’s novel.
However, her story became central to the
narrative, showcasing the transformative
power of love and compassion.
Major Themes

Justice and Mercy:

Character Study: Jean Valjean: Central to the novel is

the character of Jean Valjean, a former convict who
seeks redemption and a new life. His journey highlights
the tension between societal justice and personal mercy.

Inspector Javert: Javert represents the rigid

enforcement of the law. His relentless pursuit of Valjean
illustrates the conflict between legal justice and human
compassion.

Redemption and Transformation:

Valjean’s Evolution: Valjean’s transformation from a

hardened criminal to a benevolent benefactor is a
testament to the power of redemption. His acts of
kindness and his struggle to reconcile his past with his
quest for personal salvation are central to the narrative.
Forgiveness and Transformation: Hugo portrays
forgiveness as a transformative force that can lead to
personal and societal change.
Social Injustice and Poverty

The Marginalized: The novel provides a poignant

depiction of the lives of the poor, including characters
like Fantine, the working-class single mother, and the
Thenardiers, who exploit and abuse the vulnerable.

Hugo’s Advocacy: Through his detailed portrayal of

suffering and injustice, Hugo advocates for social
reform and greater empathy towards the downtrodden.

Love and Sacrifice:

Romantic and Familial Love: The novel explores

different forms of love, including the romantic love
between Marius and Cosette, and the familial love that
Valjean feels for Cosette.

Self-Sacrifice: Hugo demonstrates how love can

inspire individuals to make profound sacrifices for
others, emphasizing the moral and ethical dimensions
of love.
Social Injustice and Poverty:

The Marginalized

The novel provides a poignant depiction

of the lives of the poor, including
characters like Fantine, the working-class
single mother, and the Thenardiers, who
exploit and abuse the vulnerable.

Hugo’s Advocacy

Through his detailed portrayal of

suffering and injustice, Hugo advocates
for social reform and greater empathy
towards the downtrodden
Love and Sacrifice:

Romantic and Familial Love

The novel explores different forms

of love, including the romantic love
between Marius and Cosette, and
the familial love that Valjean feels
for Cosette.

Self-Sacrifice

Hugo demonstrates how love can

inspire individuals to make
profound sacrifices for others,
emphasizing the moral and ethical
dimensions of love.
Key Characters

Jean Valjean

Protagonist: The novel’s

central figure, Valjean’s
character arc is a journey of
redemption, moral struggle,
and personal growth. His
actions challenge societal
norms and highlight the
transformative power of
compassion and forgiveness.
Inspector Javert

Antagonist: Javert’s character

embodies the uncompromising
nature of the law and its
inability to accommodate
human frailty. His relentless
pursuit of Valjean and his
ultimate fate reflect the
limitations of a rigid legalistic
perspective.
Fantine

Tragic Figure Fantine’s story

exposes the harsh realities
faced by women and the poor
in 19th-century France. Her
suffering and eventual death
serve as a critique of societal
neglect and exploitation.
Marius Pontmercy and
Cosette

Romantic Leads: Marius and

Cosette’s relationship
represents hope and renewal
amidst the despair that
characterizes much of the
novel. Their love story
provides a counterpoint to the
darker elements of the
narrative and highlights themes
of idealism and social change.
Éponine:

Complex Character: Éponine’s

unrequited love for Marius and
her tragic end add depth to the
narrative. Her sacrifice and final
acts highlight themes of
selflessness and the
complexities of human emotion.
Narrative Structure and Style

Epic Scope

Historical Detail: Hugo’s detailed descriptions of

historical events and social conditions provide a rich
backdrop for the narrative, blending fiction with
historical and social commentary.

Character Development

The novel’s intricate plot and character

development allow for an in-depth exploration of its
themes and social issues.

Symbolism and Allegory

Symbolic Elements: Hugo uses symbolism and

allegory to reinforce his themes. For instance, the
character of Valjean symbolizes redemption and the
struggle against social injustice, while the Parisian
sewers represent the hidden, darker side of society.
Legacy and Impact

Enduring Relevance

Literary Influence: Les Misérables has had a

profound impact on literature and popular culture. Its
themes of justice, redemption, and social reform
continue to resonate with readers and audiences
worldwide.

Adaptations

The novel has been adapted into numerous films,

musicals, and other media, each bringing new
dimensions to Hugo’s work while preserving its core
themes.

Moral and Ethical Questions

Reflection on Society: Les Misérables encourages

readers to reflect on their own values and the state of
their society. It challenges us to consider the nature of
justice, the importance of compassion, and the
potential for personal and societal transformation.
Les Misérables is a sweeping epic that unfolds in post-
revolutionary France, spanning several decades and
weaving together the lives of diverse characters. At its
heart, the novel explores themes of justice, redemption, and
the struggle against social inequality.
Jean Valjean’s Early Struggles

Jean Valjean’s Imprisonment and Redemption

The story begins with Jean Valjean, a former

convict who has spent 19 years in prison for
stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s starving
children. After his release, Valjean struggles to
reintegrate into society due to his criminal record.
He is shown kindness by Bishop Myriel, who
helps him change his life. Valjean is deeply moved
by this act of mercy and vows to lead a better life.

New Identity

Adopting a new identity as Monsieur Madeleine,

Valjean becomes a prosperous factory owner and
mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer. However, his past
catches up with him when he is accused of being
the convict Jean Valjean. To protect himself, he
flees and begins a new life in secrecy.
Fantine’s Tragic Story

Fantine’s Downfall

Fantine, a worker in Valjean’s factory, is

dismissed when her secret as an unwed
mother is discovered. To support her
daughter, Cosette, Fantine turns to
prostitution. Her plight and eventual death
symbolize the harsh conditions faced by the
poor and the societal neglect of women in
her situation.

Cosette’s Rescue

Before dying, Fantine entrusts Cosette to the

innkeepers, the Thenardiers, who exploit
her. Valjean, having learned of Fantine’s
story, rescues Cosette from the Thenardiers
and promises to raise her as his own.
3. Inspector Javert and the Pursuit

Relentless Pursuit

Inspector Javert, a rigid enforcer of the law,

becomes obsessed with capturing Valjean, who
has assumed the identity of Monsieur
Madeleine. Javert’s pursuit of Valjean
represents the conflict between legal justice
and human compassion.

Javert’s Crisis:

Javert’s pursuit of Valjean leads him to

discover the latter’s true identity. Valjean’s
self-sacrificial act of saving another man from
the scaffold forces Javert to confront the
limitations of his black-and-white view of
justice. Unable to reconcile his beliefs with the
complexity of human behavior, Javert
ultimately takes his own life.
The June Rebellion and Marius’ Love

Marius and Cosette

Marius Pontmercy, a young revolutionary, falls

in love with Cosette. Their romance provides a
ray of hope amidst the novel’s darker themes.
Marius is involved in the June Rebellion of
1832, an attempt by the working-class to
overthrow the French government.

Rebellion and Sacrifice:

During the rebellion, Marius fights bravely but is

severely injured. Valjean rescues him from the
barricades, showcasing his bravery and love for
Cosette. The rebellion ultimately fails, but the
experience changes Marius and strengthens his
resolve.
Valjean’s Final Days

Valjean’s Legacy

Valjean, having secured a future for

Cosette and Marius, retreats to a life of
quiet reflection. He is pursued by the
memories of his past but finds solace
in the love he has given and received.

Death and Redemption

As Valjean nears death, he is

comforted by the presence of those he
loves. He dies peacefully, having
achieved redemption and leaving
behind a legacy of compassion and
self-sacrifice.
Conclusion

Les Misérables concludes with a

vision of hope and reconciliation.
Valjean’s life story—marked by
suffering, redemption, and
ultimate peace—serves as a
powerful commentary on the
nature of justice, mercy, and the
potential for human
transformation. Through its richly
drawn characters and intricate
plot, the novel invites readers to
reflect on social justice and the
capacity for change within us all.
Themes

Justice and Mercy

Conflict between Justice and Mercy: At the heart of Les Misérables is the
tension between legal justice and personal mercy. This theme is embodied in
the characters of Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert.

Jean Valjean:

Redemption vs. Punishment: Valjean, a former convict, seeks redemption

and a new life after being released from prison. His transformation from a
hardened criminal to a compassionate benefactor challenges the rigid legal
system. His acts of kindness and his struggle to live a moral life highlight the
transformative power of mercy and forgiveness.

Inspector Javert:

Legalism vs. Humanity: Javert represents the unyielding enforcement of the

law. His obsession with capturing Valjean reflects a black-and-white view of
justice that fails to accommodate human frailty and complexity. Javert's
ultimate inability to reconcile his rigid beliefs with Valjean’s moral growth
underscores the limitations of a purely legalistic approach to justice.

Key Scenes:

The Bishop’s Forgiveness: The Bishop of D’s act of forgiveness toward

Valjean sets the stage for Valjean’s quest for redemption, contrasting sharply
with Javert’s uncompromising stance.

Javert’s Suicide: Javert’s tragic end highlights the internal conflict between
his duty and the moral ambiguity he encounters, illustrating the destructive
potential of inflexible justice.
Theme Overview

Personal Growth

The theme of redemption and personal

transformation is central to the novel.
Characters undergo profound changes,
reflecting the possibility of moral and spiritual
renewal.

Jean Valjean

Journey to Redemption: Valjean’s

transformation from a vengeful ex-convict to a
selfless benefactor is a testament to the power
of redemption. His evolution demonstrates the
potential for personal change and the impact
of acts of compassion.
Key Scenes

Valjean’s New Identity

Valjean’s assumption of the

identity of Monsieur Madeleine
and his subsequent efforts to
improve the lives of those
around him illustrate his
personal transformation.
Social Injustice and Poverty

Critique of Social Structures

Hugo’s novel provides a powerful critique of
social injustice and the plight of the poor. The
harsh realities faced by the lower classes are
depicted with empathy and detail.

Fantine’s Suffering

Exploitation and Marginalization: Fantine’s

fall from respectability to poverty and
prostitution highlights the systemic exploitation
and marginalization of women and the poor. Her
story serves as a critique of societal neglect and
the lack of support for the vulnerable.

Key Scenes:
Fantine’s Struggle: Fantine’s descent into
poverty and her suffering in the city illustrate the
harsh conditions faced by the destitute.
Love and Sacrifice

The Power of Love: Love, in its various forms, is a driving force in the
novel. It motivates characters to make significant sacrifices and serves
as a counterpoint to the novel’s darker themes.

Romantic Love

Marius and Cosette: Their love represents hope and renewal amidst
the novel’s turmoil. Their relationship provides a vision of idealism and
the possibility of a better future.

Parental and Self-Sacrificial Love

Valjean and Cosette: Valjean’s love for Cosette and his willingness to
sacrifice for her well-being illustrate the novel’s exploration of parental
and self-sacrificial love. His actions demonstrate how love can inspire
profound acts of courage and compassion.

Éponine’s Sacrifice: Éponine’s unrequited love for Marius and her

ultimate sacrifice highlight the theme of selfless love and its capacity to
transcend personal suffering.

Key Scenes:
Valjean’s Care for Cosette: Valjean’s devotion to Cosette and his
efforts to provide her with a better life reflect the theme of parental love
and sacrifice.
Éponine’s Final Act: Éponine’s actions during the rebellion underscore
the theme of sacrificial love and the impact of personal devotion on
others.
Moral Lesson from Les
Miserables

The Power of Redemption and

Forgiveness
Lesson Overview

Les Misérables vividly

demonstrates the profound impact
of redemption and forgiveness on
both individuals and society. The
transformation of Jean Valjean from
a hardened convict to a
compassionate benefactor
highlights the potential for personal
change and the importance of
extending grace to others.
In 21st Century Context

Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables, though set in

19th-century France, offers timeless insights
that remain relevant in the 21st century. The
novel’s exploration of justice, social inequality,
redemption, and human compassion can be
applied to contemporary issues and societal
challenges. Here’s how the themes of Les
Misérables resonate with our modern context:

Social Inequality and Economic Disparities

Context in Les Misérables

The novel highlights the stark divide between

the wealthy and the impoverished. Characters
like Fantine and Cosette experience extreme
hardship due to systemic economic inequalities
and social neglect.
21st-Century Relevance:

Economic Inequality:

Today, economic disparity remains a critical

issue globally, with widening gaps between the
wealthy and the poor. The themes of Les
Misérables shed light on the struggles of
marginalized communities and the need for
comprehensive social safety nets.

Social Justice Movements:

The novel’s critique of societal structures that

perpetuate inequality aligns with contemporary
social justice movements advocating for
economic fairness, affordable healthcare, and
access to education. Hugo’s portrayal of
systemic neglect calls for modern reforms to
address poverty and inequality.
Redemption and Rehabilitation

Context in Les Misérables

Jean Valjean’s transformation from a convict to a

benefactor illustrates the potential for personal
redemption and the impact of compassion and
forgiveness.

21st-Century Relevance

Criminal Justice Reform: The theme of redemption

is increasingly pertinent in discussions about criminal
justice reform. Efforts to rehabilitate rather than solely
punish offenders reflect Valjean’s journey. Initiatives
focused on second chances, restorative justice, and
reducing recidivism echo the novel’s message of the
possibility for change and growth.

Rehabilitation Programs: Modern approaches to

rehabilitation, including mental health support and
educational opportunities for former prisoners, align
with the novel’s advocacy for compassion and
transformative justice.
The Role of Compassion and Social
Responsibility

Context in Les Misérables

Valjean’s acts of kindness and his commitment to

improving the lives of others highlight the
importance of empathy and social responsibility.

21st-Century Relevance

Community Support and Philanthropy: The spirit

of compassion that Valjean embodies resonates with
current trends in community support and
philanthropy. Modern organizations and individuals
dedicated to addressing social issues and providing
aid to the disadvantaged reflect the novel’s emphasis
on social responsibility and altruism.

Global Humanitarian Efforts: The global response

to crises such as refugee displacement, natural
disasters, and humanitarian needs demonstrates a
collective effort to address suffering, akin to the
compassionate actions depicted in Les Misérables.