It is important to note that Les Misérables, written by Victor Hugo, is an outstanding piece of literature that explores many aspects of living in a broken society and a personal will to act. The book’s core idea is centered around one’s freedom to resist the social degradation and evil imposed on people by focusing on redemption, grace, and forgiveness. Jean Valjean, the main protagonist, exemplifies how a person can rise from the darkest place within oneself to the place of mercy.
When it comes to the constant struggle between Valjean and Javert, it is evident that their character development arcs are complete opposites of each other. The result is that Valjean dies in peace of mind knowing that he helped the people he cared for, and he is forgiven for his past sins, whereas Javert commits suicide due to the burden of wrongdoings. Therefore, it is apparent that Valjean’s perspective was rooted in forgiveness, which he received from the bishop. Such an attitude influences his behavior and choices to be selfless, which is shown in how he helps both Cosette and Marius (Hugo, 1862). Javert’s perspective is manifested in selfishness, personal gain, and hatred through treachery, which is why he chose to be a royalist during the revolution (Hugo, 1862). On the one hand, Valjean comes from a place of crime, but after receiving forgiveness from Bishop Myriel, he reconsiders his path in life to adhere to the same principles held by the bishop. On the other hand, Javert comes from a place of social privilege and status by being a police inspector who continuously chooses to betray and exhibit anger.
Valjean shows several times how understanding others’ perspectives influences his behavior. The first one to show such an attitude is Bishop Myriel, who provides forgiveness to Valjean after he steals the silverware. The author writes: “There is a crime committed by the society against the individual, a crime that is committed each day” (Hugo, 1862, p. 738) afresh. In other words, the crimes of a person pale in comparison with the crimes of society. However, the most prominent example of understanding the other’s perspectives and acting in accordance with this comprehension is Marius.
It would have made a difference if he had done some perception checking since he would realize that Valjean was not defined by his past crimes and was a sincerely good person. By the end of the story, Marius adopts Valjean’s forgiveness attitude, which he acquired from the bishop. In other words, grace and redemption are spread by the example of selflessness and sincere care. The subject of punishment is a complex topic explored from varying angles. The book makes it clear that punishment is not an instrument of justice in an unjust and degrading society but rather a tool to punish the weak and vulnerable. Both Fantine and Cosette were the ones, who needed society’s help, but instead, they were living in misery and suffering inflicted by the Thénardiers and life itself.
In conclusion, Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables is a multifaceted story that is highly comprehensive and reflected in reality. Valjean and Javert are examples of the paths each individual on Earth can take, where the former is about redemption and forgiveness, and the latter is based on selfishness and betrayal. An unjust society punishes the innocent and weak instead of those who deserve it. Understanding others’ perspectives creates compassion, which leads to grace and the spread of goodness in the world.
Reference
Hugo, V. (1862). Les Misérables. Verboeckhoven & Cie.