Personal Library - A Tale of Two Cities

Author: (French) Victor Hugo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Les Misérables was published in 1862. It consists of five volumes. Unemployed worker Jean Valjean steals a loaf of bread to save his sister and her children from starvation, is arrested and sentenced, and serves 19 years in prison for several escape attempts. Upon release, he steals silver from a bishop, who inspires him to turn to good and later becomes a major industrialist and mayor, promoting kindness and compassion. He helps the abandoned woman Fantine and her daughter Cosette, saves the severely injured young Marius during the 1832 uprising, and works for social reform, even moving the detective Javert, who is hunting him. The work depicts the broad panorama of French social life from the defeat of Napoleon in 1815 to the July Monarchy period, realistically reflecting the suffering and tragic fate of the oppressed people, profoundly exposing the darkness of capitalist society, furiously condemning the injustice of the law, and enthusiastically praising the noble qualities of the working people and the heroic struggle of the Republicans. However, it has flaws, such as promoting utopian socialism, the power of benevolence, and class reconciliation. The work radiates the brilliance of realism, such as Jean Valjean's persecution, Fantine's tragic fate, Cosette's difficult childhood, and the fierce street battles in Paris, which are deeply moving yet imbued with a strong romanticism. Elements like Jean Valjean's extraordinary strength and bizarre experiences employ exaggeration and imagination, enhancing the artistic effect and giving the work a sublime epic style. This major masterpiece of Hugo holds an important place in the treasure trove of world literature.