The Evolution of Jean Valjean
~Blog Post #1~
Topic B
April 17, 2015
by Jonathan Paulson
In the novel Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, Hugo introduces the reader to the character of Jean Valjean, a criminal turned beloved mayor. Hugo first shows Valjean as a cast-out convict traveling throughout the town, that is not named, searching just for some place to have shelter for the night. As he goes through the town, Valjean travels with all his possessions on his back and his life savings of only one hundred and nine francs and fifteen sous. During his night at the Bishop's house, the reader also sees how Jean has never changed from his nineteen years in jail. He has a thought during the night "which drove away all others," the thought of stealing all the silver he had seen within the house (26). After Valjean's situation with Petit Gervais, however, he has a revelation and is seen in prayer "before the door of Monseigneur Bienvenu," most likely praying to God for forgiveness (39). The very next instance Hugo shows us Jean Valjean is as Father Madeleine, a rich man beloved by all of the people due to his good works and deeds for everyone. He becomes a famous man in the region, even being named a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the king himself. This huge step forward for Valjean shows that he, and all people, is capable of change and a second chance. Even his genuine demonstration of grief for the death of Bishop Bienvenu depicts how much he really owes this transformation to the bishop and even God. Valjean's dramatic change of heart is a pivotal moment in the book that sets the stage for the events that follow, for bad or for good.
I would give this blog an A. It follows the rubric really well. Your vocabulary use makes it easy to read and conveys your points in an understandable way. The opinions are always backed with good evidence from the book and you have more quotes than necessary. Overall, you did a great job.
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