Les Miserables is a timeless masterpiece by Victor Hugo. Its memorable characters, powerful storytelling, and relatable exploration of the human condition have captivated audiences for generations.
Many themes form the core of the Les Miserables novel, musicals, and several stage and movie adaptations. But none is more resonant than the theme of human dignity and the redemptive power of compassion.
This article explores Les Miserables to uncover the critical lessons about the enduring worth of people, even when they’ve been dealt a bad hand in life.
The plight of Jean Valjean
Jean Valjean, one of the main characters at the heart of Les Miserables, begins as a paroled victim. He had been sentenced to 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s children. This paints a vivid picture of the unforgiving situation in 19th-century society.
After 14 years in prison, Jean Valjean is paroled, but with papers that brand him a convicted felon. He can’t find work or housing for several days until a bishop invites him to spend the night at home. Although Valjean doesn’t treat Bishop Myriel with respect, Myriel becomes the first person in years to treat Valjean with dignity and respect.
However, in the middle of the night, Valjean tries to sneak away with the bishop’s silver candlesticks — the only thing of worth in the house. While trying to escape, Valjean is stopped by the local policemen. Still, in a show of kindness, the bishop tells the police that he has given the candlestick to Valjean as a gift.
That’s how the bishop’s redemptive compassion saves Valjean. Someone shows him love and kindness for the first time in a long time. His meeting with Bishop Myriel changes his life forever, showing him the value of generosity and dignity.
Inspector Javert’s rigid justice
Inspector Javert is also another central figure in Les Miserables. He represents the old guard and people who want a rigid application of the law. Initially, Javert sees the system as black and white, where criminals will always be criminals, and justice or punishment is absolute.
“Once a thief, always a thief.” Javert dehumanizes Valjean by insisting on this and referring to him using his convict number “24601.”
However, when Valjean spares Javert’s life during an altercation, it forces Javert to reconsider his worldview and the infallibility of the law. He realizes that Valjean may possess a greater moral compass and that people shouldn’t be condemned for life.
Redemption of broken people
The dejected people in Les Miserables find hope and redemption in the end. Besides Javert and Valjean, Cosette also finds love in her most harrowing moments. She had been confined to a life of fear and struggle under the care of cruel innkeepers.
She falls in love with Marius in a union that transcends class, showing people can still find intrinsic worth in people. His love for Cosette also shapes Marius’ commitment to fighting for justice.
Valjean also finds himself taking care of his sister’s children. Their gravely ill mother entrusted him to care for her children when she was gone, and Valjean promised to do just that. With meager resources, he does his best to provide for the little ones. He takes on backbreaking work to support them, and in the evenings, he gathers them around, telling them stories to assuage their fears and hunger.
In the end, Valjean’s love and dedication transform the world of these young lives.
A timeless lesson of justice, philanthropy, and kindness
Les Miserables continues to inspire people because it uncovers timeless truths about people. Through characters like Valjean, Cosette, Javert, and Marius, we see people’s capacity to grow and change if treated with dignity and compassion. Victor Hugo shows us the enduring worth of every individual regardless of the circumstances or past.
Human dignity should not depend on status, past mistakes, or face-value judgment. By recognizing the dignity of others, we can create a world where everyone is honored.
