Les Misérables

By Victor Hugo

“Les Misérables” is a classic novel by French author Victor Hugo, published in 1862. The novel employs a range of literary devices, including dramatic irony, symbolism, and imagery, to tell the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his struggles to redeem himself in a society that is harsh and unforgiving. Hugo’s powerful and evocative prose, combined with his exploration of themes such as poverty, justice, and the power of redemption, have made “Les Misérables” one of the most beloved and enduring works of literature in the world.

Themes 📚

1. Poverty and Social Injustice – The novel deals with the theme of poverty and social injustice in 19th-century France, with the characters representing the struggles of the lower classes in a society that is rigged against them.
2. Redemption and Forgiveness – The novel explores the theme of redemption and forgiveness, with the character of Jean Valjean seeking to make amends for his past mistakes and the characters learning the power of forgiveness and compassion.
3. Love and Sacrifice – The novel celebrates the power of love and sacrifice, with the characters demonstrating the lengths they will go to for the people they care about, even in the face of great adversity.
4. The Search for Identity – The novel deals with the theme of the search for identity, with the characters grappling with questions of who they are and where they belong in the world.
5. The Nature of Justice – The novel explores the theme of justice, with the characters questioning the fairness of the legal system and seeking to right wrongs through their own actions.
6. The Conflict Between Law and Morality – The novel deals with the theme of the conflict between law and morality, with the characters struggling to reconcile their sense of right and wrong with the laws of the society they live in.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Symbolism – The novel uses symbolism to create meaning beyond the literal events of the story. For example, the character of Jean Valjean can be seen as a symbol of redemption and hope.
2. Dramatic Irony – The novel employs dramatic irony to create suspense and tension, with the reader often knowing more about the characters and their motivations than they know themselves.
3. Imagery – The novel uses vivid descriptions of setting and action to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. For example, the descriptions of the Parisian sewers create a sense of danger and claustrophobia.
4. Flashback – The novel employs flashbacks to provide background information and context for the story. For example, the story of Fantine’s life before she meets Jean Valjean is told through a series of flashbacks.
5. Foreshadowing – The novel uses foreshadowing to hint at future events and create suspense. For example, the mention of the impending revolution in France foreshadows the chaos and violence to come.
6. Motif – The novel employs the motif of the barricade throughout the story, with the theme of revolution and rebellion tying together the various plotlines and characters.
7. Allusion – The novel makes use of references to other literary or cultural works to enrich the meaning of the story. For example, the character of Marius is named after a Roman general, emphasizing his noble and heroic qualities.
8. Irony – The novel employs irony to create a sense of contrast or contradiction. For example, the character of Javert is a lawman who is unable to see beyond the strict letter of the law.
9. Point of View – The novel employs multiple points of view to provide different perspectives on the events of the story. For example, the sections on the Parisian underworld are narrated from the perspective of the criminal classes.
10. Parallelism – The novel employs parallelism to create a sense of symmetry and balance in the story. For example, the characters of Jean Valjean and Javert are presented as two sides of the same coin, with their paths crossing repeatedly over the course of the novel.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
Bishop Myriel’s kindness	Bishop Myriel’s kindness toward Jean Valjean foreshadows the transformative impact that compassion will have on Valjean’s life.
Javert’s pursuit of Valjean	Javert’s relentless pursuit of Valjean from the beginning of the novel foreshadows their ongoing conflict and ultimate confrontation.
The bond between Marius and Cosette	Marius and Cosette’s early encounters foreshadow their deepening relationship and love story throughout the novel.

2. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
The silver candlesticks	The silver candlesticks that Bishop Myriel gives to Jean Valjean symbolize redemption, forgiveness, and the power of compassion.
The sewers	The sewers of Paris represent the darkness and moral decay within society, as well as the opportunity for rebirth and transformation.
The barricades	The barricades during the June Rebellion symbolize the struggle for freedom, justice, and the fight against oppression.

3. Imagery

Example	Explanation
The Parisian underworld	Vivid descriptions of the Parisian underworld create a powerful sense of the desperation and hardship faced by the impoverished characters.
The Battle of Waterloo	The detailed imagery of the Battle of Waterloo provides historical context and serves as a backdrop for the novel’s themes of struggle and redemption.
The convent	The peaceful and serene imagery of the convent where Valjean and Cosette find refuge contrasts with the turmoil and danger of their lives outside its walls.

4. Irony

Example	Explanation
Javert’s sense of justice	Javert’s unwavering belief in the justice system is ironic, as it blinds him to the moral complexities and human capacity for change demonstrated by characters like Valjean.
Thénardier’s self-interest	Thénardier’s self-interest and greed ironically lead to the success and happiness of other characters, such as Marius and Cosette.
Valjean’s reinvention	The irony of Valjean’s reinvention as a respected businessman and mayor lies in the contrast between his newfound status and his previous life as an outcast and criminal.

5. Allusion

Example	Explanation
Historical events	The novel alludes to historical events like the Battle of Waterloo and the June Rebellion, providing context for the story’s setting and themes.
Biblical references	Biblical references throughout the novel, such as the parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasize themes of compassion, forgiveness, and redemption.
Literary references	References to classic literature and mythology, such as the works of Homer and Virgil, demonstrate the depth and breadth of Victor Hugo’s literary knowledge.

6. Foil

Example	Explanation
Jean Valjean and Javert	Jean Valjean’s capacity for change and redemption contrasts with Javert’s rigid adherence to the law, highlighting their differing perspectives on justice and morality.
Fantine and Cosette	Fantine’s tragic life and downfall serve as a foil to Cosette’s eventual happiness and prosperity, illustrating the impact of compassion and love.
The Thénardiers and Valjean	The Thénardiers’ cruelty and selfishness contrast with Valjean’s selflessness and empathy, emphasizing the novel’s themes of moral choice and human goodness.

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