Jean Valjean's Transformation
Blog Post 1
Topic B
April 16, 2015
Tommy Lacher
The main character in Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, Jean Valjean, undergoes a serious transformation beginning from the very start of the novel. This transformation consists of changing his previous lifestyle as a convicted criminal to a respectable and civil man. We learn in the first chapter the Jean Valjean is a convict. He was convicted of stealing bread in the middle of the night. He then goes on to steal the silver from the Bishop's house and some money from a traveler. The thievery and criminal actions of Jean Valjean make up his character, a heartless criminal. This, however, changes drastically. After meeting the Bishop and thinking about the generosity he showed when allowing him to keep the silver he stole, Jean Valjean decides to turn his life around. Later in the novel, we learn that he has started a new life, following the Bishop's words and "gives it to God," giving money to the poor and helping those in need.(33). Jean Valjean becomes a wealthy business person and loved by his community. After escaping his past as a convict, he is able to lead a productive and fulfilling life, eventually becoming the mayor of his town. These show that Jean Valjean has turned his life around, but the event that truly shows he is a new person is when he learns of the man being tried in court that was mistakenly identified as himself. Jean Valjean contemplates on the issue and ultimately decides to reveal himself as the true Jean Valjean, ultimately saving the man's life. It is this courageous act that Jean Valjean takes that proves that he has totally transformed from a convict to a respectable and moral person.
You make some interesting points here Tommy and I do agree with many of them. I especially like how you point out the trial as the true demonstration of his transformation, that is something I had not thought about yet. It is a great point of the culmination of all the events that surrounded Valjean during his life free from the galleys. I want to add, though, how important Jean Valjean's situation with Petit Gervais is in Valjean's life. It is from that specific instance that Jean has his change of heart and the reader actually sees the new side of him. I know you stated that in your post, but I think you did not give it enough credit in Valjean's entire transformation. It was overall a very good post though and brings up many insightful topics in Jean's life.
ReplyDeleteFor this blog post I would give you an A- most likely Tommy. I would not give a straight A because your analysis was slightly becoming too mixed in with your summary of the events. The content was solidly presented and made sense, but again you just seemed to have a little too much summary and too little actual analysis.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with your view on Jean Valjean's transformation. You specifically mention that after his encounter with the bishop, he becomes more centered on God and those who need monetary support. I believe that his new "faith" plays an important role in his new life. It sets him up for being seen as a good and holy man in his town. It also is one of the main reasons for him turning himself in during the trial because he doesn't want "to remain in paradise and there become a demon" as this would be incredibly displeasing to God (76).
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