Les Miserables is a story of redemption, forgiveness, charity, salvation and moral obligation. The novel is in essence a plea for humane treatment of the poor and for equality among citizens. The main character, Jean Valjean, enters the novel as a thief, having spent nineteen years in prison. He is given his second chance by M. Myriel, a prominent bishop, who offers Valjean food and lodging, and by doing so he paves the way for Jean Valjean to live a life of financial prosperity and renewed spiritual faith. Jean Valjean poses as M. Madeleine in this pure and natural life but soon comes across a dilemma. Jean Valjean has to choose ‘’to remain in paradise and there become a demon’’ or ‘’to reenter into hell and there become an angel’’(p.84.) Through this conflict, Hugo introduces two kinds of lives: the life of a comfortable, wealthy man with few moral obligations and the life of a struggling, but ultimately virtuous convict.…
