Les Misérables

Author: Victor Hugo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: This work shines with the light of realism and possesses a strong romanticism. Its language is high-spirited and passionate; the plot is full of twists and turns, gripping the heart; it combines lyrical expressions filled with poetic imagery, meticulous descriptions, rich and appropriate historical research, and thorough analysis. The protagonist, Jean Valjean, is upright, open-hearted, and always willing to help others. He repays evil with kindness and possesses noble character, embodying the image of the suffering, persecuted, and oppressed people. He initially starts as an innocent gardener but, unable to bear seeing his seven nephews starve, steals a large loaf of bread and is caught on the spot, becoming a convict. He escapes several times and lives a dehumanized life for nineteen years. Later, he succeeds in escaping and meets the factory worker Fantine. To save her, he abandons the hard-won position of mayor and begins to flee with Fantine's daughter, Cosette. Over time, everything changes, and after enduring countless hardships, Cosette falls in love with the young Marius. Meanwhile, Jean Valjean also finally enters the grave.