Les Miserables Essay

Cesar Ponciano

Mr. Smith

English 2

31 December 2016

Les Miserables Essay

   Of the many themes found in Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables the most important theme is the redemptive power of love and kindness. In the story Les Miserables many characters’ lives are transformed when they are treated with, love and kindness for the first time. Jean Valjean stands as the major character of Les Misérables and is the main figure for the theme about the redemptive power of love and forgiveness.

   Valjean started off in prison a simple man, but his time in jail has a serious effect on him, and he emerges from prison as a criminal who hates society for what it has done to him. By the time Valjean encounters Bishop Myriel, he is so adapted to being an unsocial person that he greets the kindly bishop with hatred. Myriel, however, turns out to be the first person in years to treat Valjean with love and respect. This meeting with Myriel forever changes Valjean’s character, as Myriel forgives Valjean for all his mistakes and makes Valjean promise to become an honest man. Once Valjean opens up his heart, he becomes the main figure to the redemptive power of love and forgiveness. His hard work and new vision transform the derelict town of Montreuil-sur-mer into a thriving manufacturing center, which in turn teaches Valjean the value of good will. Valjean also learns how to love another person and how to pass that love onto others, when he takes charge of taking care of Cosette. Hardened by prison and rescued by the kindness of Bishop Myriel, Valjean’s encounters molded his character throughout the story. This ability to change makes him the main figure of how the redemptive power of love and forgiveness can change lives.

   Valjean changed many lives with his love and kindness, but the main character who was most affected by Valjean love and kindness is Cosette. Like Valjean, Cosette grew up in an atmosphere where they lacked respect and where she lacked love from other people, but she is rescued from this life before her innocence is lost completely. Though she spends a number of years under the cruel care of the Thénardiers, she never adopts their cruel views, which shows that she possesses some fundamentals of respect and goodness that the Thénardiers lack. Once Valjean takes charge of Cosette, she receives the love she has been missing for years and she quickly transforms from a poor, unhappy child into a lovely, well-educated young woman. Cosette’s also learns how to love other people. This shows in her ability to truly love Marius, is due in large part to Valjean, who has taught her to trust and love. In the end, Cosette live was completely turned around when she received love form Valjean and learn how love others. The redemptive power of love in Cosette life saved her from being corrupted by the Thénardiers and it gave her a life where she was loved and taught to do good deeds.