4. Jean Valjean’s Redemption

One of the central characters in the book is Jean Valjean, a man who is initially imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's starving children. Valjean's journey towards redemption is a key focus of the novel, as he grapples with his past actions and strives to become a better person.

Throughout the story, Valjean is constantly pursued by Inspector Javert, a relentless lawman who is determined to bring him to justice. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Valjean never gives up on his quest for redemption. His selfless acts of kindness towards others, including adopting the orphaned Cosette, showcase his transformation from a hardened criminal to a compassionate and noble individual.

As the novel reaches its climax, Valjean is faced with a final test of his redemption when he must decide whether to reveal his true identity to save an innocent man from being wrongly accused. Ultimately, Valjean chooses to sacrifice his freedom and reputation in order to do the right thing, solidifying his redemption and leaving a lasting impact on those around him.

Key Points:

• Les Misérables explores themes of justice, redemption, and love.
• Jean Valjean, the central character, embarks on a journey towards redemption after being imprisoned for theft.
• Valjean's transformation from a criminal to a compassionate individual is highlighted through his selfless acts of kindness.
• Inspector Javert's relentless pursuit of Valjean serves as a constant obstacle in his path towards redemption.
• Valjean's ultimate sacrifice to save an innocent man demonstrates his commitment to doing the right thing and solidifies his redemption.

Key Terms:

• Redemption - the act of being saved or saved from sin, error, or evil.
• Inspector Javert - the antagonist in Les Misérables who relentlessly pursues Jean Valjean.
• Cosette - the orphaned girl whom Valjean adopts and cares for.
• Character transformation - the process of a character evolving or changing throughout a story.
• Morality - principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior.