Group Discussion #1

Discussion #1
April 20, 2015
Led by Jonathan Paulson

• What do you first think of Jean Valjean?
  • Ben thought he wasn't treated very fairly. He stole a loaf of bread, and was labeled as a dangerous criminal because of it.
  • He's rugged and kind of sketchy looking
• Why do you think Valjean would be so thankful to the bishop, and then rob him?
  • Tommy noted that Valjean was very conflicted about this, taking him several hours to reach his decision. In the end, his criminal instinct, which had dominated him for the past nineteen years, took over and convinced him to steal the bread.
• Why do you think Jean had a change of heart after the incident with Petit Gervais?
  • The group agreed that this incident was an accident, and Jean was trying to live out the promise he made to the bishop.
• Why do you think the author explains in such detail how poorly Cosette was treated?
  • Tommy mentioned that this was to stress the meaning of the title Les Miserables and how painfully and hastily Fantine made her decision.
• Do you believe Jean Valjean has genuinely changed?
  • Yes, Valjean has completely transformed. He cares for people, gives generously, and turns himself in to save an innocent man.
• Why do you think Jean feels guilty about letting Champmathieu take his place? Isn't this his chance to be free?
  • This goes back to the previous question. Valjean feels that he has to live out his promise to the bishop, and that means being honest about who he is. He feels bad about leaving his people behind, but he realizes that this man is innocent and can't be left to suffer for Valjean's past.
• Is Javert a bad man or is he just doing his duty?
  • He seems like a bad man, especially since there seems to be some kind of personal vendetta between him and Valjean, but he is really just completely devoted to his duty.