The Birds

The Birds

Blog Post #2

Topic G

April 27, 2015

Ben Burkhalter

Throughout Les Miserables the main characters are constantly compared to birds.  When we first learn of Cosette, we see that she had been harshly treated by the Thenardiers and regarded with less respect than the family pets. The people of the town soon begin to refer to her as The Lark because she is "not larger than a bird, trembling, frightened, and shivering" (47). This nickname is a perfect representation of her because she was small and insignificant to most people, much like a real lark. This name is also signifies her innocence during the early years as birds are seen as very innocent creatures.  

Further into the book, after Jean has rescued Cosette from the Thenardiers, the pair move into a new home.  Their new humble abode is referred to as “a nest for owl and wren” (121). In their new accommodations, they soon grow fond of one another and quite happy with life.  This is yet again a characteristic of birds.  Most birds don’t get much more out of their nests other than basic shelter; however, they never seem to be angry about this as they are always gleefully twittering about.  This attitude is parallels Jean and Cosette who, despite their spartan living areas, are willing to look past where they are living and grow in their happiness together.