Les Miserables
Victor Hugo’s most celebrated novel “Les Miserables.” takes place in 19th century Europe after the French Revolution. It was released in 1862 after taking over twenty years to write. The main character is Jean Valjean who is imprisoned after stealing a loaf of bread. He is finally released after nineteen years in prison and quickly learns the hardships of a convict released into society. No one will hire him or trust him and he is even refused a room in Digne. The gracious Bishop of Digne, M. Myriel, offers him food and lodging for the night. Valjean accepts and after eating his fill he goes to bed only to awake during the night and steal the Bishop’s silver. He is quickly apprehended and brought back to the Bishop. Valjean thinks he is about to go back to prison but M. Myriel tells the soldiers that he gave Valjean the silver as a gift. In return, M. Myriel makes Valjean promise to change his ways and become an honest man. The Bishop’s action touches the heart of Valjean and he pledges to become successful and give back to the community. Posing as "M. Madeleine," Valjean becomes the mayor of Montreuil-sur-mer, bringing prosperity to the entire region and acquiring a widespread reputation for hi
Marius and Cosette finally meet in secret and fall in love. But their happiness comes to an abrupt halt when Valjean, afraid of both Marius and the political unrest in France, takes Cosette to England. Depressed again at the loss of his love, Marius joins the ranks of his revolutionary friends who are planning an insurrection. Just before the fighting, Javert is discovered to be a spy among the students' ranks, and is sentenced to die. For the sake of Cosette, Valjean joins the insurrection to protect Marius. He offers to execute Javert, but when no one is looking, he sets Javert free. Although Marius is critically wounded during the fighting, Valjean manages to save him via a dangerous trip through the Paris sewers. Surprisingly, Javert is waiting for Valjean at the sewer exit, but allows him to return Marius to his grandfather. Humiliated at having let Valjean go, Javert commits suicide. Meanwhile, Marius survives not knowing who saved him. Valjean tells Marius that he is an ex-convict, and Marius begins to alienate him from Cosette. Just before Valjean dies, however, Marius learns that he saved his life after the battle. He and Cosette manage to reconcile with Valjean and declare their love for him and each other as he passes away. Even though Cosette gives Marius a suggestive look one day, they have yet to meet, and Marius soon loses track of both Cosette and Jean Valjean (whom Marius nicknames "Leblanc"). Marius becomes depressed after not seeing Cosette for the
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Approximate Word count = 997
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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