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!'" (40). In this passage, the affect of the bishop's poignant teachings change the perspective of Valjean as he strives for honesty. Valjean's rebirth as Father Madeleine marks a turning point in the course of the novel and signifies his quest to cleanse his soul from his tragic past. With his new found self, Valjean preaches the values of the bishop throughout the city. Casting the past behind him, he seeks an established stand in society. "As we have seen, the country owed a great deal to this man, and the poor owed him everything" (41). By aiding the needy, Valjean divides himself from his history as he establishes his future. These deeds and his rebirth demonstrate Valjean's ability to distinguish himself from his
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