Valjean

Valjean, also known as Jean Valjean, is the protagonist of Victor Hugo's 1862 novel, Les Misérables.

Valjean's story is central to the themes of redemption, justice, and compassion that permeate the novel. He begins as a peasant who steals a loaf of bread to feed his starving sister and her children, for which he is imprisoned for five years. Multiple attempts to escape extend his sentence to nineteen years, leaving him embittered and hardened by the injustice he experiences.

Upon his release, Valjean is ostracized by society due to his status as a former convict. He finds solace and a turning point in his life when Bishop Myriel, a kind and charitable clergyman, offers him shelter and forgiveness after Valjean steals the bishop's silverware. Instead of turning Valjean over to the authorities, Myriel claims he gave the silver to Valjean as a gift, urging him to use it to become an honest man.

This act of unexpected grace deeply affects Valjean, leading him to break his parole and assume a new identity as Monsieur Madeleine. Under this alias, he becomes a successful factory owner and eventually the mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer, known for his philanthropy and commitment to the poor.

Throughout Les Misérables, Valjean is relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert, a law enforcement officer obsessed with upholding the law and upholding the idea that Valjean will always revert to his criminal nature. This pursuit forms a major conflict within the narrative, highlighting the tension between justice and mercy.

Valjean's commitment to redemption is further demonstrated by his adoption and devotion to Cosette, the illegitimate daughter of Fantine. He rescues Cosette from the abusive Thénardiers and raises her as his own, providing her with love, education, and a secure future. His sacrifice and unwavering dedication to Cosette become a defining characteristic.

In the end, Valjean lives a quiet and virtuous life, eventually revealing his past to Marius, Cosette's husband, to avoid bringing shame to their marriage. He dies a peaceful death, having achieved redemption and found solace in the knowledge that Cosette is happy and secure. Valjean's character serves as a powerful symbol of the possibility of transformation and the enduring power of compassion and forgiveness.