Les Misérables Summary & Key Insights

Victor Hugo's Les Misérables follows the tumultuous life of Jean Valjean, a former convict unjustly imprisoned for nineteen years for stealing bread. Released on parole, he struggles to reintegrate into society, constantly hounded by the relentless police inspector Javert, who embodies unwavering adherence to the law. Valjean's initial attempts at a normal life are thwarted by societal prejudice and his own desperation. He steals a silver candlestick set, however, a bishop's act of incredible kindness inspires a profound moral transformation. Valjean vows to live a life of honesty and compassion, adopting a new identity and becoming a successful factory owner and mayor.

His peaceful life is disrupted when he encounters Fantine, a dying woman battling poverty and societal scorn. Valjean takes Fantine's daughter, Cosette, under his protection, raising her as his own. This act of compassion sets the stage for a lifelong struggle against poverty and injustice. Their journey leads them to the Thénardiers, a manipulative and cruel innkeeper couple who initially abused Cosette.

As Cosette grows, she falls in love with Marius Pontmercy, a young revolutionary involved in the June Rebellion of 1832. Valjean, still haunted by his past, participates in the uprising, secretly saving Marius's life amidst the chaos. In the aftermath, severely injured Marius is brought to Valjean's care. Valjean's selfless actions reveal his changed character, but Javert, unwavering in his duty, confronts him, forcing a moral dilemma for both men.

Javert, confronted with Valjean's goodness, cannot reconcile his rigid worldview with Valjean's actions. Unable to comprehend Valjean's transformation, he grapples with his own moral compass, ultimately committing suicide.

The novel explores various overarching themes including redemption, justice, social inequality, and the nature of good and evil. Valjean's transformation acts as a central narrative engine, highlighting the potential for human change and the power of compassion. Hugo uses the characters to critique the French legal and social systems of his time, showcasing the devastating effects of poverty and the societal structures that perpetuate it. The June Rebellion serves as a backdrop to explore themes of revolution and the complexities of political upheaval. Ultimately, Les Misérables is a sweeping epic about humanity's capacity for both cruelty and compassion, set against the backdrop of 19th-century France.