Les miserable
Along the dark alley way he steadily approaches the bakery. The moonlight bounces off the window and he imagines the face of his sister and her hungry children. He stands torn, his conscience distraught. The bread, delicious and inviting, taunts him and with a furious sweep he shatters the glass. Does stealing bread to support one's family justify theft? In Victor Hugo's fervent novel Les Miserables, Jean Valjean's actions lead to imprisonment where he remains in moral bewilderment. Though his rise from poverty and confession showcase Valjean's ability to solely redeem his conscience. Jean Valjean's rebirth as Father Madeleine and his admiral feats demonstrate his rise from poverty and his strive to redeem his soul. Valjean, a social drifter, emerges as a released convict in the commencement of the novel. After being rejected by several inn's, he finds refuge from a bishop. Generously, the bishop teaches Valjean compassion and forgiveness when Valjean steals two silver candle sticks and the bishop pardons him. "Father Madeleine employed everybody; he had only one condition, 'Be an honest man!' 'Be and honest woman!'"
Malicious and spiteful, he emerges with potent hatred from society. This ardent novel demonstrates the sole pursuit for redemption as a distraught protagonist strives to distinguish himself from his past. With the aid of a benevolent bishop, Valjean's ethics and morals resurface as his faith in society expands. That men saw his life, but the bishop saw his conscience" (60). Tormented, Valjean believes that if he does not confess he will commit another robbery as he will "robbed another of his existence" (60). Confound, Valjean questions himself as an innocent man becomes accused of a crime he committed years ago. By aiding the needy, Valjean divides himself from his history as he establishes his future. "'Gentlemen of the jury, release the accused. Valjean proves that no action can go beyond redemption. "To remain in paradise and there become a demon! To re-enter into hell and there become an angel!" (141). These acts demonstrate Valjean's quest for redemption. In this passage, the affect of the bishop's poignant teachings change the perspective of Valjean as he strives for honesty. Valjean argues the risk of admitting his character by referring back to the bishop's teachings: To be an upright man! was it not that above all, that alone, which he had always wished, and which the bishop had enjoined upon! To close the door on his past? But he was not closing it, great God! he was reopening it by committing an infamous act! for he became a robber again, and the most odious of robbers! he robbed another of his existence, his life, his peace, his place in the world , he inflicted upon him that frightful life in death, that living burial, which is called the galleys! on the contrary to deliver himself up, to become again from duty the convict Jean Valjean: that was really to achieve his resurrection.
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Acceptance Essays
