Les Misérables is an French novel by Vicotor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. In the English-speaking world, the novel is usually referred to by its original French title. However, several alternatives have been used, including The Miserables,The Wretched,The Miserable Ones,The Poor Ones,The Wretched Poor,The Victimsand The Dispossessed. Beginning in 1815 and culminating in the 1832 in Pairs, the novel follows the lives and interactions of several characters, particularly the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption.
Examining the nature of law and grace, the novel elaborates upon thehistory of France, the architecture and urban design of Paris, politics,moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic familial love. Les Misérableshas been popularized through numerous adaptations for the stage, television, and film, including a musical and a film adaptation of that musical.
Jean Valjean, released on parole after 19 years on the chain gang, finds that the yellow ticket-of-leave condemns him to be an outcast. Only the saintly Bishop of Digne treats him kindly and Valjean, embittered by years of hardship, repays him by stealing some silver. Valjean is caught and brought back by police, and is astonished when the Bishop lies to the police to save him and also gives him two precious candlesticks. Valjean decides to start his life anew.
Eight years have passed and Valjean, having broken his parole and changed his name to Monsieur Madeleine, has risen to become mayor of Montreuil. Javert, a police sergeant who has been tracking the parole-breaker for years, discovers Valjean’s true identity and swears to put him back in jail. To keep his promise to Fantine, a dying woman, Valjean escapes from Javert and rescues Cossette, Fauntine’s illegitimate daughter, from the Thenardiers who have been lodging and mistreating the girl for five years. Valjean is again in disguise and lives a quiet life in Paris with Cossette, his “daughter”. He rescues Marius, a revolutionist who is in love with Cossette, from the fierce battle at the barricade. He is given the chance to kill Javert, but instead lets him go.
Valjean confesses the truth of his past to Marius before the young couple gets married and Maruis decides that Valjean should keep away from Cossette so as not to taint the sanctity and safety of their union. Thenardier tries to blackmail Marius, only to reveal the truth that it is Valjean who saved Marius from the barricade that night. Marius and Cossette go to Valjean before the old man dies. Moved by Valjean’s generosity and kindness, Jarvet gives up his duty as a police sergeant and commits suicide. The miserable world is enlightened by the glory of humanity.
