movie analysis: Les Miserables

LES MISERABLES

GENRE: FICTION

SUBGENRE: HISTORICAL FICTION

Character List

Major Characters

Jean Valjean
The ex-convict who had been imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread. Primary protagonist.
Monsiegneur Bienvenu
The benevolent priest of the first book whose generosity and self sacrifice changes Valjean.
Cosette
The child of Fantine whom Valjean raises as his granddaughter.
Javert
The inspector of police who’s lifelong ambition is to put Valjean back behind bars.
Marius
College student and idealist who falls in love with Cosette.
M. Gillenormand
Grandfather of Marius. Representative of the old bourgeois.

Thenardier
The paragon of evil both in character and in representation of other negative forces.

Minor Characters

Fantine
Cosette’s mother. Has Cosette during a relationship with a college student who leaves her without marrying her or providing for the child. Fantine is forced to leave Cosette with someone who will supposedly take care of her while Fantine works for her support.
M. Fauchelevant
An old gardener whom Valjean rescues when a cart falls on him. Later helps provide a place of refuge for Valjean and Cosette.
Eponine
Daughter to Thenardier.
Enjolras
College student-primary leader of the insurrection. His mistress is France.
Gavroche
Son of Thenardier.
Felix Tholomyes, Listolier, Fameuil, Blacheville
Students

Champmathieu
Another convict who is captured and believed to be Valjean.
Sister Simplice, Sister Perpetue
The nuns who take care of Fantine.
Colonel George Pontmercy
Marius’ father.

SETTING

France in the 1800's during the period of the Restoration. The major action is in Paris, but some episodes take place in neighboring towns.

PLOT

The major plot involves Jean Valjean who is released from prison, and through the kindness of Father Myriel, becomes a new man. He gets a new name via association with Myriel and his obvious kindness and generosity to others and gradually builds a successful and prosperous life for himself with a renovation of the jet-work industry in Montreuil-surmer. One of his employees is-although unknown to him-fired by the head mistress because of an illegitimate baby. Fantine goes from one occupation to another, finally becoming a prostitute.
A minor incident takes place in the streets, and Fantine is arrested by Javert. Valjean, who has become known as Mayor Madeleine, forces Javert to release her and takes her into his own house when he hears her story. Fantine is in extremely poor health, however, and dies without ever seeing her child again, even though Valjean had promised to get the child.
Meanwhile, another man has been arrested and mistakenly identified as Valjean. Valjean appears in court, revealing the truth and losing both his business and his position in Montreuil-sur-mer. Although he is arrested, he breaks out long enough to hide his fortune. He spends additional time in prison, working aboard a ship. Eventually he escapes again and retrieves Cosette from the evil Thenardiers whom Fantine had trusted to take care of the child.
Then begins 10 years of hiding, moving from place to place, always staying just ahead of Javert. Seven or eight happy years are spend in a convent where Valjean works with the gardener and Cosette attends a girls’ school.
Feeling that Cosette must have opportunity to experience all of life, they leave the convent when she is about 15. Valjean is nearly betrayed and recaptured due to the insidious if somewhat unwitting deeds of the Thenardiers.
While Valjean is continuously on the lookout for people who might have guessed his identity and makes their home always in out of the way places, Cosette becomes aware of her own femininity and beauty. She and Marius spot each other and fall in love.
Marius is a college student who has been raised by his grandfather after the old man had disowned his son-in-law for supporting Napoleon. Marius discovers the truth about his father shortly after his death and enmity develops between himself and his grandfather. With little income, Marius in unable to marry Cosette and prevent Valjean from taking her away again, and his grandfather refuses to give consent for a marriage to someone he assumes is beneath him.
In Paris, politics, work issues, and various unsatisfactory conditions are gradually bringing a faction of workers and college students to the point of revolt. An insurrection takes place; Marius joins in hoping to die since he will not be able to have Cosette. Valjean joins the insurrection because he believes he is losing Cosette’s love and because, although he hates him bitterly, he intends to try to protect Marius for Cosette.
When the barricades are finally overtaken, Valjean rescues Marius and escapes through the city sewers. Marius is unconscious and does not know who rescued him. When his health returns, he insists once again on marrying Cosette, and this time the grandfather relents. Old wounds are at least partially healed. As Javert is also dead, it would seem that Cosette, Valjean, Marius and his grandfather could all form one happy family. Cosette and Marius marry, but Valjean reveals the truth of himself to Marius who gradually banishes him from even seeing Cosette.
The Thenardiers are a continuous nuisance and occasionally a real threat throughout the book, but in spite of Thenardier’s intention to bring harm to Valjean, he actually reveals the truth of Valjean’s history to Marius.
Valjean dies in the end, but it is with contentment after a joyful reunion with Cosette. He is content to know that Cosette and Marius have “forgiven” him, although it seems as though Valjean himself is the one who has the right to be on the forgiving end of things.

THEMES

Grandparent/Grandchild Relationships

This is present in duality as Valjean pretends to be a grandfather to Cosette and Gillenormand is a grandfather to Marius. Both grandfathers have to learn to let go.

Crime vs. Punishment

Valjean’s punishment certainly does not fit his crime, but neither did Fantine deserve the treatment she received in his factory. The 1830's in Paris are an age where the slightest error brings the same punishment as a serious malfeasance.

Truth vs. Survival

Valjean and Thenardier both use lies as a way to survive. Thenardier, however, uses the lie for evil.

Love and Forgiveness

A great deal of forgiveness takes place in the course of the multiple sub-plots. Valjean must forgive Javert for hounding him unjustly, Marius for taking Cosette away from him, Thenardier for trying to rob him, and himself for his own imperfections. Gillenormand and Marius must compromise and forgive each other for their mutual obstinacy; Eponine must forgive Marius for being unable to love her; and Javert (who is not successful) must forgive himself for putting kindness and decency ahead of the law.

Law vs. Humanity

The Biship Myriel is the first to exercise humanity among those who may not deserve it, both to his parishoners and then to Valjean. Valjean continues the thread when he rescues Fantine from Javert’s condemnation and instant sentencing. Later he has to choose whether to submit to the law or to carry out the wishes of the dying Fantine. Ultimately, he manages to do both.

The old gardener Fauchelevant defies and manipulates the law by engineering Valjean’s and Cosette’s entrance into the convent. The nuns themselves turn a blind eye to the law and to their own disobedience to it when they wish to bury a departed sister within the walls of the convent. Enjolras, during the insurrection, defends and enacts the law when one of the insurgents fails to observe principles of humanity and shoots an innocent civilian. Finally, Javert himself commits suicide when faced with the idea that in certain situations humanity should take precedence over the law.

The Meaning of Debt

Many characters have debts to other characters in this story. The plot is partially driven by the means they choose to repay those debts. Valjean owes Bishop Myriel for his freedom and chance for a new life. In an indirect way, he also owes Cosette the protection he gives her, for it was in his own factory that her mother was abused and driven to desperate circumstances. Marius believes he owes a debt to Thenardier, but that debt is a result of Marius’ father misinterpreting Thenardier’s intentions.

Marius actually does owe Valjean for his very life. Javert also owes Valjean for his life and pays it by releasing Valjean and then taking his own life. Gillenormand owes Valjean for rescuing and returning Marius. Both Marius and Valjean have debts to Eponine who delivers letters, messages, and traces addresses whenever needed. The gardener Fauchelevant feels that he owes his life to Valjean, whom he knew as Father Madeleine. Practically the only significant characters in the book who owe nothing to anyone are Father Myriel, Father Mabeuf and Gavroche.

Childhood Innocence and Courage

Little Gavroche, Eponine and their two little brothers (whom Gavroche protects but does not know) all portray the innocence and courage that children are capable of when plunged into a crisis situation.

Savior/Sacrifice

Valjean is a savior image throughout the story. Thenardier is falsely believed to be a savior by Marius and his father Pontmercy. Gavroche tries to act the role of a savior on several occasions, the final one costing him his life. Javert is an unwilling savior when he releases Valjean and drowns himself in the river.

SYMBOLISM

Myriel’s Silver Candlesticks

M. Myriel’s candlesticks are the most prominent symbol of compassion in Les Misérables, and they shed a light that always brings love and hope. At the beginning of the novel, Hugo uses the contrast between light and darkness to underscore the differences between Myriel, an upstanding citizen, and Valjean, a dark, brooding figure seemingly incapable of love. When Myriel gives Valjean his silver candlesticks, Myriel is literally passing on this light as he tells Valjean he must promise to become an honest man. Subsequently, the candlesticks reappear frequently to remind Valjean of his duty. When Valjean dies, the candlesticks shine brightly across his face, a symbolic affirmation that he has attained his goal of love and compassion.

Snakes, Insects, and Birds

When describing the novel’s main characters, Hugo uses animal imagery to accentuate these characters’ qualities of good and evil. The orphaned figures of Cosette and Gavroche are frequently referred to as creatures of flight: Cosette as a lark and Gavroche as a fly. The Thénardiers, on the other hand, are described as snakes, and Cosette’s time among them is likened to living with beetles. These opposing symbols suggest that whereas Cosette and Gavroche can rise above their miserable circumstances, the Thénardiers are rooted in their immoral pursuits. They are creatures of the earth, which means that they are not as free as Cosette or Gavroche, who can fly wherever they please.

WHAT DOES THE TITLE MEAN IN RELATION TO THE FILM AS A WHOLE?

The title means the suffering of the poor ones during the French revolution. It clearly showed us viewers how unjustly and how justice is manipulated by the elites and officials as in favour to them.  The survival of poor people in a world where right justice is not served well and grave poverty was happening around.

AMONG THE CHARACTERS, TO WHOM CAN YOU RELATE TO?

I will choose Jean Valjean, he symbolizes for me change and hope. Change for even he had committed a crime still he chose to change for the better. To be a blessing to others, by helping those who are in need. Hope for he had open his heart to a hopeless little child Cosette and supported her just like a real Papa to her, and urges for a justice everyone deserves fair and square for both rich and poor.

WHICH PART OF THE PRESENTATION STRUCK YOU THE MOST? WHY?

When Fantine was on her last breath looking for her lovely daughter,  it was a love of a mother to her daughter that even to her last breath she still think of her  daughters future wanting to have a sweet embrace with her. I think it would be a universal feeling of a mother to her child to always think first for the comfort of their children before theirs and it touches my heart so well.

WHAT IS THE MOVIE’S MESSAGE?

The message of the movie is that never let poverty take away your dreams. Fight for the injustice and always help those who are oppressed. If you want change the change must always start within you and the rest will follow.

DID I LIKE THIS IN GENERAL? WHY?

Yes, because even though I got irritated of the musical theme and slept over it for the second time while watching it still the message was there and at least I tried to understand it. And I like the characters of Anne Hathaway and Amanda it was a lift factor for me to watch it.

DID I AGREE WITH THE MAIN THEME/ PUROPSE? WHY OR WHY NOT?

Yes, for it tells us the reality, giving us a glimpse of the things happened in the past where we could compare our living today and to appreciate history. It gives us moral lessons and values that we can apply to our life. It’s giving us a clue of what happened in the past.

WHAT SPECIFICALLY DID I LIKE OR DISLIKE? WHY?

Honestly I don’t like the musical effect, I just wanted to watch a straight conversation between characters not the musical type where you have to understand it first, and it’s really killing my brain. What I like in the movie was it happened in the past, an old-fashioned story, old setting with magnificent accent of characters. I enjoy watching old setting movies so much.

ARE THERE ANY ASPECTS OF THEME WHICH ARE LEFT AMBIGUOUS AT THE END? WHY?

I think it’s when Javert jumped on the dam, if I were the writer I should have made his life more miserable in the end where he will also experience being condemned and for him to suffer until he change and swears to be good to other people especially to the poor.

HOW DOES THIS FILM RELATE TO THE THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING TO YOUR LIFE?

Maybe in one point in my life I got pushed around and taken for granted (got bullied)  by the people I thought would be there for me, but what hurts more is that I had trusted people and loved them. I guess that’s what you get for being so trusting to others especially if you considered them close friends. But if I would be reasonable enough and apply the SECRET and the law of attraction, maybe everything really happens for a reason and look I have found new friends. I just want to be positive and I think when everything was so messed up in your life, when you are at your lowest it is where everything is falling into their right places and one day you will be surprised that you feel better and there is no such thing as coincidence in life for everything has a reason.

movie analysis: Les Miserables

LES MISERABLES

GENRE: FICTION

SUBGENRE: HISTORICAL FICTION

Character List

Major Characters

Jean Valjean
The ex-convict who had been imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread. Primary protagonist.
Monsiegneur Bienvenu
The benevolent priest of the first book whose generosity and self sacrifice changes Valjean.
Cosette
The child of Fantine whom Valjean raises as his granddaughter.
Javert
The inspector of police who’s lifelong ambition is to put Valjean back behind bars.
Marius
College student and idealist who falls in love with Cosette.
M. Gillenormand
Grandfather of Marius. Representative of the old bourgeois.

Thenardier
The paragon of evil both in character and in representation of other negative forces.

Minor Characters

Fantine
Cosette’s mother. Has Cosette during a relationship with a college student who leaves her without marrying her or providing for the child. Fantine is forced to leave Cosette with someone who will supposedly take care of her while Fantine works for her support.
M. Fauchelevant
An old gardener whom Valjean rescues when a cart falls on him. Later helps provide a place of refuge for Valjean and Cosette.
Eponine
Daughter to Thenardier.
Enjolras
College student-primary leader of the insurrection. His mistress is France.
Gavroche
Son of Thenardier.
Felix Tholomyes, Listolier, Fameuil, Blacheville
Students

Champmathieu
Another convict who is captured and believed to be Valjean.
Sister Simplice, Sister Perpetue
The nuns who take care of Fantine.
Colonel George Pontmercy
Marius’ father.

SETTING

France in the 1800's during the period of the Restoration. The major action is in Paris, but some episodes take place in neighboring towns.

PLOT

The major plot involves Jean Valjean who is released from prison, and through the kindness of Father Myriel, becomes a new man. He gets a new name via association with Myriel and his obvious kindness and generosity to others and gradually builds a successful and prosperous life for himself with a renovation of the jet-work industry in Montreuil-surmer. One of his employees is-although unknown to him-fired by the head mistress because of an illegitimate baby. Fantine goes from one occupation to another, finally becoming a prostitute.
A minor incident takes place in the streets, and Fantine is arrested by Javert. Valjean, who has become known as Mayor Madeleine, forces Javert to release her and takes her into his own house when he hears her story. Fantine is in extremely poor health, however, and dies without ever seeing her child again, even though Valjean had promised to get the child.
Meanwhile, another man has been arrested and mistakenly identified as Valjean. Valjean appears in court, revealing the truth and losing both his business and his position in Montreuil-sur-mer. Although he is arrested, he breaks out long enough to hide his fortune. He spends additional time in prison, working aboard a ship. Eventually he escapes again and retrieves Cosette from the evil Thenardiers whom Fantine had trusted to take care of the child.
Then begins 10 years of hiding, moving from place to place, always staying just ahead of Javert. Seven or eight happy years are spend in a convent where Valjean works with the gardener and Cosette attends a girls’ school.
Feeling that Cosette must have opportunity to experience all of life, they leave the convent when she is about 15. Valjean is nearly betrayed and recaptured due to the insidious if somewhat unwitting deeds of the Thenardiers.
While Valjean is continuously on the lookout for people who might have guessed his identity and makes their home always in out of the way places, Cosette becomes aware of her own femininity and beauty. She and Marius spot each other and fall in love.
Marius is a college student who has been raised by his grandfather after the old man had disowned his son-in-law for supporting Napoleon. Marius discovers the truth about his father shortly after his death and enmity develops between himself and his grandfather. With little income, Marius in unable to marry Cosette and prevent Valjean from taking her away again, and his grandfather refuses to give consent for a marriage to someone he assumes is beneath him.
In Paris, politics, work issues, and various unsatisfactory conditions are gradually bringing a faction of workers and college students to the point of revolt. An insurrection takes place; Marius joins in hoping to die since he will not be able to have Cosette. Valjean joins the insurrection because he believes he is losing Cosette’s love and because, although he hates him bitterly, he intends to try to protect Marius for Cosette.
When the barricades are finally overtaken, Valjean rescues Marius and escapes through the city sewers. Marius is unconscious and does not know who rescued him. When his health returns, he insists once again on marrying Cosette, and this time the grandfather relents. Old wounds are at least partially healed. As Javert is also dead, it would seem that Cosette, Valjean, Marius and his grandfather could all form one happy family. Cosette and Marius marry, but Valjean reveals the truth of himself to Marius who gradually banishes him from even seeing Cosette.
The Thenardiers are a continuous nuisance and occasionally a real threat throughout the book, but in spite of Thenardier’s intention to bring harm to Valjean, he actually reveals the truth of Valjean’s history to Marius.
Valjean dies in the end, but it is with contentment after a joyful reunion with Cosette. He is content to know that Cosette and Marius have “forgiven” him, although it seems as though Valjean himself is the one who has the right to be on the forgiving end of things.

THEMES

Grandparent/Grandchild Relationships

This is present in duality as Valjean pretends to be a grandfather to Cosette and Gillenormand is a grandfather to Marius. Both grandfathers have to learn to let go.

Crime vs. Punishment

Valjean’s punishment certainly does not fit his crime, but neither did Fantine deserve the treatment she received in his factory. The 1830's in Paris are an age where the slightest error brings the same punishment as a serious malfeasance.

Truth vs. Survival

Valjean and Thenardier both use lies as a way to survive. Thenardier, however, uses the lie for evil.

Love and Forgiveness

A great deal of forgiveness takes place in the course of the multiple sub-plots. Valjean must forgive Javert for hounding him unjustly, Marius for taking Cosette away from him, Thenardier for trying to rob him, and himself for his own imperfections. Gillenormand and Marius must compromise and forgive each other for their mutual obstinacy; Eponine must forgive Marius for being unable to love her; and Javert (who is not successful) must forgive himself for putting kindness and decency ahead of the law.

Law vs. Humanity

The Biship Myriel is the first to exercise humanity among those who may not deserve it, both to his parishoners and then to Valjean. Valjean continues the thread when he rescues Fantine from Javert’s condemnation and instant sentencing. Later he has to choose whether to submit to the law or to carry out the wishes of the dying Fantine. Ultimately, he manages to do both.

The old gardener Fauchelevant defies and manipulates the law by engineering Valjean’s and Cosette’s entrance into the convent. The nuns themselves turn a blind eye to the law and to their own disobedience to it when they wish to bury a departed sister within the walls of the convent. Enjolras, during the insurrection, defends and enacts the law when one of the insurgents fails to observe principles of humanity and shoots an innocent civilian. Finally, Javert himself commits suicide when faced with the idea that in certain situations humanity should take precedence over the law.

The Meaning of Debt

Many characters have debts to other characters in this story. The plot is partially driven by the means they choose to repay those debts. Valjean owes Bishop Myriel for his freedom and chance for a new life. In an indirect way, he also owes Cosette the protection he gives her, for it was in his own factory that her mother was abused and driven to desperate circumstances. Marius believes he owes a debt to Thenardier, but that debt is a result of Marius’ father misinterpreting Thenardier’s intentions.

Marius actually does owe Valjean for his very life. Javert also owes Valjean for his life and pays it by releasing Valjean and then taking his own life. Gillenormand owes Valjean for rescuing and returning Marius. Both Marius and Valjean have debts to Eponine who delivers letters, messages, and traces addresses whenever needed. The gardener Fauchelevant feels that he owes his life to Valjean, whom he knew as Father Madeleine. Practically the only significant characters in the book who owe nothing to anyone are Father Myriel, Father Mabeuf and Gavroche.

Childhood Innocence and Courage

Little Gavroche, Eponine and their two little brothers (whom Gavroche protects but does not know) all portray the innocence and courage that children are capable of when plunged into a crisis situation.

Savior/Sacrifice

Valjean is a savior image throughout the story. Thenardier is falsely believed to be a savior by Marius and his father Pontmercy. Gavroche tries to act the role of a savior on several occasions, the final one costing him his life. Javert is an unwilling savior when he releases Valjean and drowns himself in the river.

SYMBOLISM

Myriel’s Silver Candlesticks

M. Myriel’s candlesticks are the most prominent symbol of compassion in Les Misérables, and they shed a light that always brings love and hope. At the beginning of the novel, Hugo uses the contrast between light and darkness to underscore the differences between Myriel, an upstanding citizen, and Valjean, a dark, brooding figure seemingly incapable of love. When Myriel gives Valjean his silver candlesticks, Myriel is literally passing on this light as he tells Valjean he must promise to become an honest man. Subsequently, the candlesticks reappear frequently to remind Valjean of his duty. When Valjean dies, the candlesticks shine brightly across his face, a symbolic affirmation that he has attained his goal of love and compassion.

Snakes, Insects, and Birds

When describing the novel’s main characters, Hugo uses animal imagery to accentuate these characters’ qualities of good and evil. The orphaned figures of Cosette and Gavroche are frequently referred to as creatures of flight: Cosette as a lark and Gavroche as a fly. The Thénardiers, on the other hand, are described as snakes, and Cosette’s time among them is likened to living with beetles. These opposing symbols suggest that whereas Cosette and Gavroche can rise above their miserable circumstances, the Thénardiers are rooted in their immoral pursuits. They are creatures of the earth, which means that they are not as free as Cosette or Gavroche, who can fly wherever they please.

WHAT DOES THE TITLE MEAN IN RELATION TO THE FILM AS A WHOLE?

The title means the suffering of the poor ones during the French revolution. It clearly showed us viewers how unjustly and how justice is manipulated by the elites and officials as in favour to them.  The survival of poor people in a world where right justice is not served well and grave poverty was happening around.

AMONG THE CHARACTERS, TO WHOM CAN YOU RELATE TO?

I will choose Jean Valjean, he symbolizes for me change and hope. Change for even he had committed a crime still he chose to change for the better. To be a blessing to others, by helping those who are in need. Hope for he had open his heart to a hopeless little child Cosette and supported her just like a real Papa to her, and urges for a justice everyone deserves fair and square for both rich and poor.

WHICH PART OF THE PRESENTATION STRUCK YOU THE MOST? WHY?

When Fantine was on her last breath looking for her lovely daughter,  it was a love of a mother to her daughter that even to her last breath she still think of her  daughters future wanting to have a sweet embrace with her. I think it would be a universal feeling of a mother to her child to always think first for the comfort of their children before theirs and it touches my heart so well.

WHAT IS THE MOVIE’S MESSAGE?

The message of the movie is that never let poverty take away your dreams. Fight for the injustice and always help those who are oppressed. If you want change the change must always start within you and the rest will follow.

DID I LIKE THIS IN GENERAL? WHY?

Yes, because even though I got irritated of the musical theme and slept over it for the second time while watching it still the message was there and at least I tried to understand it. And I like the characters of Anne Hathaway and Amanda it was a lift factor for me to watch it.

DID I AGREE WITH THE MAIN THEME/ PUROPSE? WHY OR WHY NOT?

Yes, for it tells us the reality, giving us a glimpse of the things happened in the past where we could compare our living today and to appreciate history. It gives us moral lessons and values that we can apply to our life. It’s giving us a clue of what happened in the past.

WHAT SPECIFICALLY DID I LIKE OR DISLIKE? WHY?

Honestly I don’t like the musical effect, I just wanted to watch a straight conversation between characters not the musical type where you have to understand it first, and it’s really killing my brain. What I like in the movie was it happened in the past, an old-fashioned story, old setting with magnificent accent of characters. I enjoy watching old setting movies so much.

ARE THERE ANY ASPECTS OF THEME WHICH ARE LEFT AMBIGUOUS AT THE END? WHY?

I think it’s when Javert jumped on the dam, if I were the writer I should have made his life more miserable in the end where he will also experience being condemned and for him to suffer until he change and swears to be good to other people especially to the poor.

HOW DOES THIS FILM RELATE TO THE THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING TO YOUR LIFE?

Maybe in one point in my life I got pushed around and taken for granted (got bullied)  by the people I thought would be there for me, but what hurts more is that I had trusted people and loved them. I guess that’s what you get for being so trusting to others especially if you considered them close friends. But if I would be reasonable enough and apply the SECRET and the law of attraction, maybe everything really happens for a reason and look I have found new friends. I just want to be positive and I think when everything was so messed up in your life, when you are at your lowest it is where everything is falling into their right places and one day you will be surprised that you feel better and there is no such thing as coincidence in life for everything has a reason.

movie analysis: Les Miserables

LES MISERABLES

GENRE: FICTION

SUBGENRE: HISTORICAL FICTION

Character List

Major Characters

Jean Valjean
The ex-convict who had been imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread. Primary protagonist.
Monsiegneur Bienvenu
The benevolent priest of the first book whose generosity and self sacrifice changes Valjean.
Cosette
The child of Fantine whom Valjean raises as his granddaughter.
Javert
The inspector of police who’s lifelong ambition is to put Valjean back behind bars.
Marius
College student and idealist who falls in love with Cosette.
M. Gillenormand
Grandfather of Marius. Representative of the old bourgeois.

Thenardier
The paragon of evil both in character and in representation of other negative forces.

Minor Characters

Fantine
Cosette’s mother. Has Cosette during a relationship with a college student who leaves her without marrying her or providing for the child. Fantine is forced to leave Cosette with someone who will supposedly take care of her while Fantine works for her support.
M. Fauchelevant
An old gardener whom Valjean rescues when a cart falls on him. Later helps provide a place of refuge for Valjean and Cosette.
Eponine
Daughter to Thenardier.
Enjolras
College student-primary leader of the insurrection. His mistress is France.
Gavroche
Son of Thenardier.
Felix Tholomyes, Listolier, Fameuil, Blacheville
Students

Champmathieu
Another convict who is captured and believed to be Valjean.
Sister Simplice, Sister Perpetue
The nuns who take care of Fantine.
Colonel George Pontmercy
Marius’ father.

SETTING

France in the 1800's during the period of the Restoration. The major action is in Paris, but some episodes take place in neighboring towns.

PLOT

The major plot involves Jean Valjean who is released from prison, and through the kindness of Father Myriel, becomes a new man. He gets a new name via association with Myriel and his obvious kindness and generosity to others and gradually builds a successful and prosperous life for himself with a renovation of the jet-work industry in Montreuil-surmer. One of his employees is-although unknown to him-fired by the head mistress because of an illegitimate baby. Fantine goes from one occupation to another, finally becoming a prostitute.
A minor incident takes place in the streets, and Fantine is arrested by Javert. Valjean, who has become known as Mayor Madeleine, forces Javert to release her and takes her into his own house when he hears her story. Fantine is in extremely poor health, however, and dies without ever seeing her child again, even though Valjean had promised to get the child.
Meanwhile, another man has been arrested and mistakenly identified as Valjean. Valjean appears in court, revealing the truth and losing both his business and his position in Montreuil-sur-mer. Although he is arrested, he breaks out long enough to hide his fortune. He spends additional time in prison, working aboard a ship. Eventually he escapes again and retrieves Cosette from the evil Thenardiers whom Fantine had trusted to take care of the child.
Then begins 10 years of hiding, moving from place to place, always staying just ahead of Javert. Seven or eight happy years are spend in a convent where Valjean works with the gardener and Cosette attends a girls’ school.
Feeling that Cosette must have opportunity to experience all of life, they leave the convent when she is about 15. Valjean is nearly betrayed and recaptured due to the insidious if somewhat unwitting deeds of the Thenardiers.
While Valjean is continuously on the lookout for people who might have guessed his identity and makes their home always in out of the way places, Cosette becomes aware of her own femininity and beauty. She and Marius spot each other and fall in love.
Marius is a college student who has been raised by his grandfather after the old man had disowned his son-in-law for supporting Napoleon. Marius discovers the truth about his father shortly after his death and enmity develops between himself and his grandfather. With little income, Marius in unable to marry Cosette and prevent Valjean from taking her away again, and his grandfather refuses to give consent for a marriage to someone he assumes is beneath him.
In Paris, politics, work issues, and various unsatisfactory conditions are gradually bringing a faction of workers and college students to the point of revolt. An insurrection takes place; Marius joins in hoping to die since he will not be able to have Cosette. Valjean joins the insurrection because he believes he is losing Cosette’s love and because, although he hates him bitterly, he intends to try to protect Marius for Cosette.
When the barricades are finally overtaken, Valjean rescues Marius and escapes through the city sewers. Marius is unconscious and does not know who rescued him. When his health returns, he insists once again on marrying Cosette, and this time the grandfather relents. Old wounds are at least partially healed. As Javert is also dead, it would seem that Cosette, Valjean, Marius and his grandfather could all form one happy family. Cosette and Marius marry, but Valjean reveals the truth of himself to Marius who gradually banishes him from even seeing Cosette.
The Thenardiers are a continuous nuisance and occasionally a real threat throughout the book, but in spite of Thenardier’s intention to bring harm to Valjean, he actually reveals the truth of Valjean’s history to Marius.
Valjean dies in the end, but it is with contentment after a joyful reunion with Cosette. He is content to know that Cosette and Marius have “forgiven” him, although it seems as though Valjean himself is the one who has the right to be on the forgiving end of things.

THEMES

Grandparent/Grandchild Relationships

This is present in duality as Valjean pretends to be a grandfather to Cosette and Gillenormand is a grandfather to Marius. Both grandfathers have to learn to let go.

Crime vs. Punishment

Valjean’s punishment certainly does not fit his crime, but neither did Fantine deserve the treatment she received in his factory. The 1830's in Paris are an age where the slightest error brings the same punishment as a serious malfeasance.

Truth vs. Survival

Valjean and Thenardier both use lies as a way to survive. Thenardier, however, uses the lie for evil.

Love and Forgiveness

A great deal of forgiveness takes place in the course of the multiple sub-plots. Valjean must forgive Javert for hounding him unjustly, Marius for taking Cosette away from him, Thenardier for trying to rob him, and himself for his own imperfections. Gillenormand and Marius must compromise and forgive each other for their mutual obstinacy; Eponine must forgive Marius for being unable to love her; and Javert (who is not successful) must forgive himself for putting kindness and decency ahead of the law.

Law vs. Humanity

The Biship Myriel is the first to exercise humanity among those who may not deserve it, both to his parishoners and then to Valjean. Valjean continues the thread when he rescues Fantine from Javert’s condemnation and instant sentencing. Later he has to choose whether to submit to the law or to carry out the wishes of the dying Fantine. Ultimately, he manages to do both.

The old gardener Fauchelevant defies and manipulates the law by engineering Valjean’s and Cosette’s entrance into the convent. The nuns themselves turn a blind eye to the law and to their own disobedience to it when they wish to bury a departed sister within the walls of the convent. Enjolras, during the insurrection, defends and enacts the law when one of the insurgents fails to observe principles of humanity and shoots an innocent civilian. Finally, Javert himself commits suicide when faced with the idea that in certain situations humanity should take precedence over the law.

The Meaning of Debt

Many characters have debts to other characters in this story. The plot is partially driven by the means they choose to repay those debts. Valjean owes Bishop Myriel for his freedom and chance for a new life. In an indirect way, he also owes Cosette the protection he gives her, for it was in his own factory that her mother was abused and driven to desperate circumstances. Marius believes he owes a debt to Thenardier, but that debt is a result of Marius’ father misinterpreting Thenardier’s intentions.

Marius actually does owe Valjean for his very life. Javert also owes Valjean for his life and pays it by releasing Valjean and then taking his own life. Gillenormand owes Valjean for rescuing and returning Marius. Both Marius and Valjean have debts to Eponine who delivers letters, messages, and traces addresses whenever needed. The gardener Fauchelevant feels that he owes his life to Valjean, whom he knew as Father Madeleine. Practically the only significant characters in the book who owe nothing to anyone are Father Myriel, Father Mabeuf and Gavroche.

Childhood Innocence and Courage

Little Gavroche, Eponine and their two little brothers (whom Gavroche protects but does not know) all portray the innocence and courage that children are capable of when plunged into a crisis situation.

Savior/Sacrifice

Valjean is a savior image throughout the story. Thenardier is falsely believed to be a savior by Marius and his father Pontmercy. Gavroche tries to act the role of a savior on several occasions, the final one costing him his life. Javert is an unwilling savior when he releases Valjean and drowns himself in the river.

SYMBOLISM

Myriel’s Silver Candlesticks

M. Myriel’s candlesticks are the most prominent symbol of compassion in Les Misérables, and they shed a light that always brings love and hope. At the beginning of the novel, Hugo uses the contrast between light and darkness to underscore the differences between Myriel, an upstanding citizen, and Valjean, a dark, brooding figure seemingly incapable of love. When Myriel gives Valjean his silver candlesticks, Myriel is literally passing on this light as he tells Valjean he must promise to become an honest man. Subsequently, the candlesticks reappear frequently to remind Valjean of his duty. When Valjean dies, the candlesticks shine brightly across his face, a symbolic affirmation that he has attained his goal of love and compassion.

Snakes, Insects, and Birds

When describing the novel’s main characters, Hugo uses animal imagery to accentuate these characters’ qualities of good and evil. The orphaned figures of Cosette and Gavroche are frequently referred to as creatures of flight: Cosette as a lark and Gavroche as a fly. The Thénardiers, on the other hand, are described as snakes, and Cosette’s time among them is likened to living with beetles. These opposing symbols suggest that whereas Cosette and Gavroche can rise above their miserable circumstances, the Thénardiers are rooted in their immoral pursuits. They are creatures of the earth, which means that they are not as free as Cosette or Gavroche, who can fly wherever they please.

WHAT DOES THE TITLE MEAN IN RELATION TO THE FILM AS A WHOLE?

The title means the suffering of the poor ones during the French revolution. It clearly showed us viewers how unjustly and how justice is manipulated by the elites and officials as in favour to them.  The survival of poor people in a world where right justice is not served well and grave poverty was happening around.

AMONG THE CHARACTERS, TO WHOM CAN YOU RELATE TO?

I will choose Jean Valjean, he symbolizes for me change and hope. Change for even he had committed a crime still he chose to change for the better. To be a blessing to others, by helping those who are in need. Hope for he had open his heart to a hopeless little child Cosette and supported her just like a real Papa to her, and urges for a justice everyone deserves fair and square for both rich and poor.

WHICH PART OF THE PRESENTATION STRUCK YOU THE MOST? WHY?

When Fantine was on her last breath looking for her lovely daughter,  it was a love of a mother to her daughter that even to her last breath she still think of her  daughters future wanting to have a sweet embrace with her. I think it would be a universal feeling of a mother to her child to always think first for the comfort of their children before theirs and it touches my heart so well.

WHAT IS THE MOVIE’S MESSAGE?

The message of the movie is that never let poverty take away your dreams. Fight for the injustice and always help those who are oppressed. If you want change the change must always start within you and the rest will follow.

DID I LIKE THIS IN GENERAL? WHY?

Yes, because even though I got irritated of the musical theme and slept over it for the second time while watching it still the message was there and at least I tried to understand it. And I like the characters of Anne Hathaway and Amanda it was a lift factor for me to watch it.

DID I AGREE WITH THE MAIN THEME/ PUROPSE? WHY OR WHY NOT?

Yes, for it tells us the reality, giving us a glimpse of the things happened in the past where we could compare our living today and to appreciate history. It gives us moral lessons and values that we can apply to our life. It’s giving us a clue of what happened in the past.

WHAT SPECIFICALLY DID I LIKE OR DISLIKE? WHY?

Honestly I don’t like the musical effect, I just wanted to watch a straight conversation between characters not the musical type where you have to understand it first, and it’s really killing my brain. What I like in the movie was it happened in the past, an old-fashioned story, old setting with magnificent accent of characters. I enjoy watching old setting movies so much.

ARE THERE ANY ASPECTS OF THEME WHICH ARE LEFT AMBIGUOUS AT THE END? WHY?

I think it’s when Javert jumped on the dam, if I were the writer I should have made his life more miserable in the end where he will also experience being condemned and for him to suffer until he change and swears to be good to other people especially to the poor.

HOW DOES THIS FILM RELATE TO THE THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING TO YOUR LIFE?

Maybe in one point in my life I got pushed around and taken for granted (got bullied)  by the people I thought would be there for me, but what hurts more is that I had trusted people and loved them. I guess that’s what you get for being so trusting to others especially if you considered them close friends. But if I would be reasonable enough and apply the SECRET and the law of attraction, maybe everything really happens for a reason and look I have found new friends. I just want to be positive and I think when everything was so messed up in your life, when you are at your lowest it is where everything is falling into their right places and one day you will be surprised that you feel better and there is no such thing as coincidence in life for everything has a reason.