Les Miserables
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By: Victor Hugo
NOW A SIX-PART MINISERIES ON MASTERPIECE ON PBS The only completely unabridged paperback edition of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece—a sweeping tale of love, loss, valor, and passion. Introducing one of the most famous characters in literature, Jean Valjean—the noble peasant imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread—Les Misérables ranks among the greatest novels of all time. In it, Victor Hugo takes readers deep into the Parisian underworld, immerses them in a battle between good and evil, and carries them to the barricades during the uprising of 1832 with a breathtaking realism that is unsurpassed in modern prose. Within his dramatic story are themes that capture the intellect and the emotions: crime and punishment, the relentless persecution of Valjean by Inspector Javert, the desperation of the prostitute Fantine, the amorality of the rogue Thénardier, and the universal desire to escape the prisons of our own minds. Les Misérables gave Victor Hugo a canvas upon which he portrayed his criticism of the French political and judicial systems, but the portrait that resulted is larger than life, epic in scope—an extravagant spectacle that dazzles the senses even as it touches the heart. Translated by Lee Fahnestock and Norman Macafee, based on the classic nineteenth-century Charles E. Wilbour translation Inlcudes an Introduction by Lee Fahnestock and an Afterword by Chris Bohjalian
AI Overview
Comprehensive Overview of "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo
Plot Summary: "Les Misérables," written by Victor Hugo, is a novel that spans several decades in 19th-century France. The story begins in 1815 and culminates in the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris. The novel follows the lives and interactions of several characters, particularly Jean Valjean, a former prisoner who breaks parole and seeks redemption, and Javert, the relentless police inspector determined to capture him.
Jean Valjean: After serving 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread, Valjean is released and finds himself in a world where he is shunned by society. He is taken in by Bishop Myriel, who shows him kindness and teaches him the value of compassion and redemption. Valjean decides to start anew and becomes a successful businessman and mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer.
Javert: Javert is a strict and unyielding police inspector who is obsessed with capturing Valjean. Despite his rigid adherence to the law, Javert's actions are motivated by a deep-seated sense of justice and morality, which is later challenged by Valjean's mercy.
Fantine: The novel also explores the tragic story of Fantine, a young woman who is forced into prostitution to support her daughter, Cosette. Her struggles and ultimate sacrifice serve as a backdrop to the broader themes of poverty, exploitation, and social injustice.
The June Rebellion: The novel culminates in the June Rebellion, where a group of students, including Marius Pontmercy and Éponine, take up arms against the government. Valjean, who has become a father figure to Cosette, joins the rebellion to save Marius, who is wounded in the fighting. In the end, Valjean and Marius escape through the sewers of Paris, while Javert, unable to reconcile his principles with Valjean’s mercy, takes his own life.
Key Themes:
Redemption and Mercy: The novel explores the themes of redemption and mercy through the characters of Jean Valjean and Bishop Myriel. Valjean's transformation from a prisoner to a compassionate and successful individual is a central theme.
Social Injustice: Hugo critiques the social injustices of 19th-century France, particularly the treatment of the poor and marginalized. Fantine's story highlights the exploitation of women and the lack of social support for those in need.
Morality and Justice: The character of Javert represents a rigid adherence to the law, while Valjean embodies a more compassionate and merciful approach to justice. This contrast highlights the complexities of morality and justice.
Love and Sacrifice: The novel also explores themes of love and sacrifice through the relationships between characters like Fantine and Cosette, and Éponine and Marius.
Critical Reception: "Les Misérables" has been widely acclaimed for its literary merit and its portrayal of social issues. It is considered one of the greatest novels of all time, praised for its detailed historical context, well-developed characters, and powerful storytelling. The novel has been translated into numerous languages and has inspired various adaptations, including films, stage musicals, and operas.
The novel's impact extends beyond literature; it has influenced social movements and continues to be a powerful commentary on issues of justice, morality, and human dignity. Its themes of redemption, social justice, and the struggle for human rights remain relevant today, making it a timeless classic in world literature.