Les Miserables, Victor Hugo’s historical epic, is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. The award-winning musical adaptation is one of the longest running shows on both Broadway and the West End. What makes this story resonate with so many people across decades and decades of time?
The contemporary resonances of this historical drama could be attributed to the universal nature of the explored themes – injustice, inequality, revolution, courage, love, heartbreak, passion. I dare say there is not one among us who cannot connect and see themselves in one of these thematic elements.
Personally, I feel the power of the story for me is the mixture of sweeping story arcs and the quieter character moments woven together. There’s much to be learned from these characters…(spoilers below if you are not familiar with this story)
A Single Act of Kindness
The Bishop is a character who only appears for a short moment towards the beginning. His kindness towards Valjean is a beautiful illustration of the power of just a single, simple act. His choice to treat Valjean, not as a criminal, but just as a human being worthy of dignity and respect sets Valjean on the course he will follow for the rest of his life – a course where he in turn makes every effort to show kindness to others.
We may, at times, think that small acts are unnoticed and unimportant. But what if we’re wrong? What if, instead, a smile, a ‘good morning’, slowing down to allow someone to merge into traffic, an unexpected compliment, helping with someone’s grocery bags – what if, our small act is the bright point in someone’s day, the turning point that puts their day on a happier, more positive trajectory?
Can we think of a moment when we have been empowered, uplifted or cheered by an act of kindness someone has shown to us? The Bishop helps us to reflect on the power to be found in a single act of kindness to one another.
The Importance of Flexibility
The ‘villain’ of the Valjean’s story is Javert – the merciless officer who make his life hell in prison and sets out to hunt him down with frightening single-mindedness after his release. From one perspective, Javert is a remorseless, tyrannical force of nature. From another, he is just as trapped and oppressed as his victims – trapped by his circumstances and his own nature. Javert is the picture of inflexibility – completely unable to shift from his iron-clad definitions of right and wrong. His ending is ultimately quite tragic. Javert sees Valjean only as the convict he once was, rather than the benefactor of humanity he has become. Confronted with the evidence of Valjean’s courage, empathy and compassion, Javert cannot reconcile the complexity of human nature or bend to accommodate a type of justice outside of the narrow one he has spent his life pursuing. His final action is sad, tragic and heartbreaking.
We are not all that different from Javert. We all have our internal values, a sense of right and wrong, moulded by our upbringing, our experiences, our beliefs. However, life and people are complex and changeable. When we are confronted with new information, a clarification, some valid criticism, a viewpoint we have never considered – will we be like Javert, unable to adapt and ultimately causing our own demise? Or will we cultivate the quality of flexibility and embrace new learning opportunities?
Passion!
Great things can be accomplished when we have the passion and drive to forge ahead, despite obstacles. Enjolras is a portrait of passion. His fire and energy inspire others, motivate action and encourage new thinking. He is a leader!
Despite the fact that their revolution ends in a bloodbath, Enjolras’ actions as a leader are still inspiring. We can learn a lesson from him in putting action behind our beliefs. The passion of our thoughts and values should be expressed and made alive in our works.
Be True to Yourself
If I could play a character in a production of Les Miserable, Eponine is a definite contender. Her song “On My Own” is beautiful outpouring of emotion (and one that is regularly featured in my shower concerts). Eponine as a character also provides us a striking example of personal integrity. She suffers poverty, listens to the man she loves proclaim his love for someone else and is bullied by her parents into engaging in their criminal activity. It would be so easy to go along with their plan to rob Valjean – taking a stand will be painful for her, result in punishment and letting it happen would have the potential to get her love rival out of the way.
But she doesn’t take the easier course. She takes a stand, even though it costs her. Eponine shows integrity – “soundness of moral character.” We all appreciate a person of integrity – someone who stands up for their beliefs, means what they say and acts in an honest manner. Like Eponine, showing integrity may at times cost us something or require a sacrifice. We need to ask ourselves “Who do I want to be?” “How do I want to be known and remembered?”
Being a person of integrity gives us a sense of inner peace and confidence because we are living as the truest version of ourselves. It makes us reliable, admirable, confident and inspiring to others.
Think of Others
A discussion of Les Miserables would not be complete without a few moments on Jean Valjean, the leading character. Undoubtedly, Valjean suffers much in his life. What is the cause?
This is a loaded question – there are many contributing factors within the sweeping epic of this story. Just one of these factors is Valjean’s own selflessness. What is his original crime? The reason he suffers years of hard labour in prison and comes to Javert’s attention? He stole some bread. Not to feed himself, although he was likely starving. He stole bread for his sister and her child – he did it for others.
We don’t recommend engaging in criminal activity but, making choices thinking of others, that is a noble quality. Throughout the entire story, Valjean consistently goes out of his way to act in behalf of others – to pass on the kindness that was shown to him by the Bishop (we’ve come full circle in our discussion, neat!). Valjean is a hard man, a strong man but maintains, at his core, a belief in hope and a respect for human dignity. His actions towards his workers, to Fantine, to Cosette, to the young men of the revolution, to Marius, even to Javert are all the actions of a man who thinks of others before himself.
Outward going qualities of empathy, compassion and respect are beautiful additions to any personality and character.
Les Miserables is a story that makes me cry, makes me rage, makes me laugh, breaks my heart and, in the end, leaves me feeling strangely uplifted. It is a story of the resilience of the human spirit and the dignity of the human person. Even if epic novels and musicals are not your cup of tea, the characters of this story are worth a few minutes of our time and consideration as we can take some valuable lessons for our own lives from these fictional ones.
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