Les Miserables

A detailed Summary of Les Miserables


"All extreme situations have their flashes which sometimes make us blind, sometimes illuminate us." Going from one extreme to another and back again gives one a genuine strength. In Hugo's Les Miserables, for Jean Valjean , these extremes are self-initiated and self-inflicted. When facing more than his share of trials and tribulations, though, Jean always keeps going, whether with a mighty roar or a weak whimper. There are many things that molded Valjean, though, none quite as much as that of the "wrong" choices, those which are the greatest source of strength and wisdom. These choices cause Valjean to gain a specialized perspective on the world and influence all later choices on block at a time. From the very onset of the novel it becomes evident that Valjean is a compass without the directions imperative to find t


In the end though, the last obstacle left to over come, is the face Jean wakes up to every morning, that of his own. His choices have caused his dramatic turn around, but Valjean is unable still to look at himself with the same eyes that forgave Jarvert. When finally, as Jean feels the vibrant life that he holds so dearly drifting dimly away, his angel (Cossette) appears to him. Jean finally realizes that the true meaning of his life is to be the cause that affects many other lives. This revelation of his place in this world, makes Jean's life seem worthwhile after all.

he way, but through mistakes, he finds his bearings.

As Jean is being taken to prison for trying to feed his hungry family, the bitterness of poverty slowly begins to evolve into a raging anger of injustice. He lets this anger multiply until it

Some common words found in the essay are:
Jean Valjean, ,

Approximate Word count = 557
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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