Cosette and Jean: Partners in Crime
~Blog Post #2~
Topic C
April 24, 2015
by Jonathan Paulson
The section titled “Cosette” in Les Misérables by Victor Hugo sees great growth in the relationship between fugitive Jean Valjean and little girl Cosette. This relationship is first introduced at the end of the first section with Jean’s close relationship with Fantine being revealed. The bond between Jean and Cosette furthers as he “rescued Cosette from the clutches of the Thénardiers” (118). This initial instinct to go and save her even after just escaping from prison is a testament to the closeness Fantine and him, and therefore Cosette and him, share. This newfound relationship between Cosette and Jean is as necessary for Jean as it is for Cosette’s survival. Cosette obviously benefits greatly from the relationship they share as it provides her with a new caretaker that actually cares about her safety, rather than the Thénardiers who care less for her than their dog; however, it is what Cosette does for Jean that makes this relationship flourish and grow. The presence of Cosette in his life raises up a feeling that Jean has never really felt in his life, “it is something very incomprehensible and very sweet, this grand emotion of a heart in its first love” (123). This love plays a major role in keeping Jean on the straight and narrow. Although he is still ever tempted by his previous criminal past, the thought of Cosette and the need to protect and care for her outweighs any negative thoughts that may ever cross his mind. Without this reason to carry on, Jean Valjean might as well never have escaped prison and would have been a captive to his own mind forever.
I agree with the idea that Cosette has become Jean's new motivation. He begins to see the world through a new lense because of her and values her saftey above his own. His new thoughts are shown when he is escaping from the police and refuses to leave her behind evem though he could've escaped easily on his own. It is also shown in how much he seems to enjoy their time shared together at the convent. I am interested to see how this relationship will develop as Cosette grows and possibly realizes that their relationships is more complicated than it may seem to her at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both Jonathan and Ben and think that this blog explains their relationship and its change very nicely. Your points are relevant and support your argument well. One thing that I am unclear about is the deduction that Cosette and Jean have a closeness because Fantine and him did too. I'm not sure I would agree with a statement like that especially when Cosette did not know, let alone ever met, Valjean before he rescued her. I also agree with Ben that another important sign of their growing relationship is the scene where Jean Valjean stays behind to save Cosette even when escaping himself would be much easier and faster.
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