Journey Through World Classics - Les Misérables

Author: Hugo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Literary masterpiece, possessing enduring charm, from which generations of readers have drawn wisdom and strength. In the face of a highly competitive future society, children need to be prepared. Cultivating qualities, shaping character, strengthening psychological resilience, forming ways of thinking, developing intelligence, and tempering will are all important issues. The monotony of family education, the limitations of school education, and the inadequacy of social education leave children feeling confused when facing many problems. Literary masterpieces present a rich world, with vivid and concrete images, intricate and engaging plots, prompting young readers to observe people, human relationships, and the complex society, to contemplate life, and to unconsciously gain the key to their hearts. The beauty of literature and language in these masterpieces is like a clear spring nourishing the soul. Young readers have limited knowledge and time, making it difficult to read the full texts of numerous literary masterpieces. This illustrated abridged edition, with helpful annotations, would be an objectively welcome gift. It is a magnificent epic, with a, engaging plot, and vivid character portrayals. Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, it describes a touching story: a poor farmer is sentenced to severe punishment for stealing a loaf of bread. Nineteen years later, when he is released, he is filled with hatred for this unfair society and a strong desire for revenge. However, a kind bishop moves him with love, and from then on, he resolves to do good deeds, live with dignity and value, and use love to inspire others. The humanitarian spirit of benevolence above all else runs through the central theme of the entire book. In Hugo's portrayal, Jean Valjean is an idealized good person, who transforms from evil to good. His good deeds not only enrich the small town and improve people's lives but also eliminate their misunderstanding of him and even make the detective Javert, who was determined to see him die, come to appreciate and repay him. This is the kind of interpersonal relationship Hugo envisioned in his ideal of humanitarianism. Hugo's humanitarianism is rooted in his dissatisfaction with tyranny. He believed that a corrupt system dehumanizes people, and only by eliminating it can humanity be restored. He empathizes with the lower classes who are humiliated and harmed by contraception, supporting their revolutionary actions. The book features a brilliant depiction of the 1832 Paris barricade war, praising the heroic spirit of the people's sacrifice.