Jean Valjean's Redemtion in Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

Essay by Naton YaVelHigh School, 10th gradeA, January 1997

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Les Miserables

Les Miserables

Set in 19th century France, Victor Hugo's historical novel, Les Miserables, portrays the protagonist, Jean Valjean, in his struggle with his past. Even in the face of societal condemnation, he sacrifices himself repeatedly for his loved ones as well for his moral and political convictions. Throughout the novel, Jean must redeem his character proving his ability to be trustworthy, selfless, and loyal.

Throughout this novel, Jean Valjean proves to himself and to his town that he is trustworthy. Jean Valjean promises a mother, Fatine, on her deathbed that he will bring her daughter back, and fulfills his promise:

On the evening of the same day that Jean Valjean had

rescued Cossete from the clutches of the Thenardiers.. (95)

The child is Cossete, she was given away to the Thenadiers, a family that deceives Fantine, and uses her daughter for labor and money. Later in the novel, Jean Valjean meets a family in poverty, by the name of the Jondrettes.

He promises them that he will give them money for the payment of there house. He brings them money, and because of him, they have the fortunate opportunity to stay under a roof.

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In another incident Jean Valjean, receives a exclusive letter from Marius, a young man that is in love with Cossete. The letter is addressed to Cossete, and even though Jean Valjean regrets the possibility of Cossete leaving him, he turns the letter over to her. Jan Valjean proves that he does not have a mind of a criminal and could be trustworthy.

Jean Valjean shows that he does not care about himself, and that he has only a dedication on helping others. When Jean Valjean first enters the city of M____ sur M____ he goes to drastic measures by...