Romanticism in Les Miserables
Many French novels written during the romantic era deal greatly with French history. The term couleur locale (meaning local color) refers to using distinctive details to describe plots, characters, and accurate historical objects, customs, or situations. In Hugo's novel, Les Miserables, one such character described in detail throughout the novel, and who also adds much depth and detail to the plot is Thenardier. Much of the happenings involving this character seem to be a result of coincidence. At first, it does not seem like much of a coincidence that Fantine leaves her young daughter Cosette in the care of Thenardier and his family. Yet this simple action sets up the whole novel for coincidental meeting, especially between Thenardier and
The other, less plot and character altering coincidences, however, carry out the opposite purpose in the novel. And here, a dramatic revelation of true identity takes place; yet another characteristic of romanticism. For this is realistic, seemingly coincidental happenings do take place in everyday life with no romanticism involved. In these situations, Thenardier's ability to be at the right place at the right time add suspense to the novel, as Hugo uses dramatic irony, allowing the reader to know the true identity of all the characters while concealing this information from the other characters until just the right moment. The coincidence, however, that most changes the course of events allowing for a happy ending comes right at the end of the novel. Here the novel comes in full circle. In this situation, Valjean's intention is to help poor Thenardier who has assumed the identity of Jondrette so Valjean does not know whom in reality he is aiding. Not being one for happy endings, this final coincidence makes the novel to unrealistic, portraying a world the way it should be-not the way it really is-somewhat depreciating the realistic value of the novel developed through Hugo's great historical detail as well as the theme of social injustices which Hugo makes vivid throughout the novel. Yet it allows Hugo's work to fit in as a masterpiece from the romantic era. In the sewer, as Valjean searches for a way to rescue Marius, he again runs in to Thenardier. This allowed Valjean to see his beloved Cosette one last time, fulfilling his dying wish. Yet this time, Valjean is not recognized until later. Jean Valjean from the very first time they encounter each other: when Valjean goes to rescue Cosette, fulfilling Fantine's dying wish. In an unjust world, such a happy ending seems out of place.
Common topics in this essay:
Valjean Cosette,
Les Miserables,
Thenardier Valjean,
,
Thenardier Marius,
Jean Valjean,
Jondrette Valjean,
dying wish,
dying wish novel,
novel coincidental meeting,
cosette fulfilling,
true identity,
throughout novel,
wish novel,
romantic era,
coincidental meeting,
novel coincidental,
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Acceptance Essays
