One of Victor Hugo's most famous books is "Les Misérables." This is an exquisite book about Jean Valjean, a convict that had been recently released from prison for stealing a loaf of bread because he was hungry. He was a man of middle height, stout and hardy, in the strength of maturing; he might have been forty-six or –seven (3). Having a yellow passport and having to show it to whomever he meets, because he is an ex-convict, no one would let him stay at their house for supper and a place to sleep, except for a bishop. This bishop turns Valjeans life around by telling that he needs to change his ways and making him understand why and how. A decade passes; Valjean, who had had changed his name to start a new life, had worked himself up to manufacturing a business and being the Mayor of the town. I do not understand why Victor Hugo did not give the town a name, but he gives M_____ sur M_____. While at the top of his game, Valjean sees the new inspector from Paris, Javer!
             t; he notices that the inspector was a guard from when he was in jail. After staying in town for about a week, Javert finally recognizes Valjean from prison. The story does continue, but you will have to read the book to see what happens to Jean Valjean.
             The famous episode of the bishop's candlesticks takes on its clearest meaning in the light of this background. Refusing to follow a divine call, Jean Valjean has it thrust upon him. Thus, the evil act of stealing the silver service turns out to be the first step on the road to salvation. At this point in the narrative Jean is not saved, for he shortly afterward steals the Petit Gervais' coin and then suddenly disappears from sight, only to reappear in Montreuil-sur-mer as M. Madeleine, without any explanation (Grant 159). Marius is not merely a foil for Jean. An important character in his own right, he introduces us into a world of politics, whereas in the apolit...