Personal Library -- A Tale of Two Cities

Author: None
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 after several escape attempts, is imprisoned for 19 years. Upon release, he steals silverware from a bishop, who inspires him to commit to goodness. He later becomes a major industrialist and mayor, promoting kindness and charity, helping the abandoned woman Fantine and her daughter Cosette, and saving the injured young man Marius during the 1832 uprising. He even moves the police inspector Javert, who is chasing him. The work depicts the broad picture 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 struggles of the Republicans. However, it has flaws in promoting utopian socialism, the power of benevolence, and class reconciliation. The work shines with the brilliance of realism, such as Jean Valjean's persecution, Fantine's tragic fate, Cosette's difficult childhood, and the fierce battle of barricades in Paris, which are deeply moving and rich in romanticism. Elements like Jean Valjean's extraordinary strength and bizarre experiences also employ exaggeration and imagination to enhance artistic effect, giving the work a sublime epic style. This major masterpiece of Hugo holds an important place in the treasure trove of world literature.