A couple of months ago, I finished listening (and reading !) to "Les Misérables", a classic novel written by Victor Hugo, in my commute to and from work in the bus. I ended it with a slight sense of regret that I had missed reading him all these years ! The story is magnificent !
Earlier, I had listened and read "The Hunchback of Notre Dame". That novel was my introduction to Victor Hugo. I like it almost as well as "Les Misérables".
This blog post shows my view of these classics.
** NOTE: I have written details of the stories below. If you would like to read the books for yourself, please DON'T read any more of this blog post. **
I like the way that the characters like Quasimodo and Esmeralda are described in the novel. Quasimodo is not only a hunchback, but is also partially blind and deaf. Esmeralda is a dainty gypsy girl, full of life. She offers water to Quasimodo when he is badly in need of it. This makes Quasimodo fall in love with her. The situation is like "The Beauty and the Beast". On the one hand, there is a charming waif like girl with the voice of a nightingale ; on the other, there is a partially blind, deaf and dumb hunchback. The stage is set for momentous events, particularly since the girl is drawn to a soldier and also has two other suitors.
In both novels, one fact that emerges again and again is Victor Hugo's knowledge of history and of Paris in particular. The manner in which he describes the Notre Dame cathedral in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" brings its majesty to life. The traits of the protagonists are also brought out well: the sheer helplessness and feeling of isolation of Quasimodo ; the innocence of Esmeralda and her goat Djali and the playfulness of Jehan Frollo have stayed in my mind long after I finished reading the book.
"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" deserves to be read to understand how love can drive people in different ways.
My knowledge of the history of France was mainly limited to the French revolution of 1789. It helped that one of my favourite books, "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens describes the French revolution in all its terrible times. Until I read "Les Misérables", I was unaware that other revolutions followed the French revolution of 1789. The Encyclopedia Britannica article https://www.britannica.com/place/France/France-1815-1940 shows the history of France and the revolutions it has seen.
"Les Misérables" shows us how law and justice can be unfair. The protagonist Jean Valjean is convicted and imprisoned simply because he stole a loaf of bread. That loaf of bread ruins his life as his imprisonment makes Valjean bitter, over time. He attempts to escape, in vain. The book shows us his struggles after he is free.
The good part is that he meets an enlightened bishop M. Myriel who understands the true meaning of mercy. For the first time in his life of poverty and misery, Valjean is treated as an equal by M. Myriel, who feeds him supper. At the time, Valjean does not realise it, but later the kindness and respect shown by M. Myriel serve as catalysts to transform him. He makes his fortune by fair means, though he does it under a false name. In his new life, it is his spirit of charity and willingness to serve the needy that mark the reformed Valjean.
The rest of the book is about Valjean and his adopted daughter Cossette, who falls in love with a man named Marius. The Paris revolution of 1832 is the background for one last heroic act by Valjean: he carries an unconscious Marius through the sewers of Paris.
It is only towards the end of the book that Marius realises that it is Valjean who has rescued him and that though Valjean was a convict, he had completely transformed himself.
According to the Oxford dictionary online, the word "zeitgeist" refers to the spirit of the times, as seen at https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/zeitgeist. I believe that "Les Misérables" captures the zeitgeist of France and Paris during that time in particular.
Victor Hugo's foremost achievement in the book is in the way the characters are developed. It is not just Jean Valjean and the Thenardier couple: even the carefree boy Gavroche is etched out well. He is a vagrant with a caring heart.
At the end of the book, some characters stand out. First, there is the silent and heroic Jean Valjean. The respect and kindness received from the bishop serve as a trigger to completely alter Valjean's attitude. From a bitter convict, he becomes a selfless, strong, mostly silent and charitable person ever willing to help people who appear to require support.
Then there is Javert, the law enforcement official. He is a tenacious man, solely going by the book. In his eyes, Jean Valjean is a convict, which means that he has to be imprisoned. When Javert finds himself in Valjean's captivity during the revolution and Valjean is chosen to execute him, Javert reconciles himself to death at the hands of Valjean. Imagine his surprise when Valjean fires a shot in the air to make it appear to the revolutionaries that he has been executed and then frees him ! Javert simply cannot understand Valjean's attitude ! Javert believes in the letter of the law, rather than the spirit of natural justice. Experiencing Valjean's kindness, he cannot cope with the situation: one part of him pursues Valjean as a convict ; another part of him is puzzled at Valjean's good and selfless nature. Believing that other people are like him, he is torn between these two impulses. Tragically, he decides to kill himself rather than change his thinking regarding Valjean.
The poor Fantine and her sacrifices for her daughter Cossette are depicted with feeling.
The baser side of humanity is exemplified in the Thenardier couple.
There is one other character who can actually match Jean Valjean in kindness: the bishop M. Myriel ! The short priest, his cheerful disposition and his sense of humour form a small portion of the book. However, in my view, it is M. Myriel's inherent faith in humanity in general and Valjean in particular that make the character just as important as Jean Valjean himself.
What I like in the book most is the character of Jean Valjean. I could identify with his bitterness against the world when he is free and finds nobody willing to give him lodging or work on proper terms. After meeting the bishop and assuming a new identity, the empathy that Valjean develops for the poor is shown well. Victor Hugo emphasises Valjean's physical strength and his ability to withstand pain. Jean Valjean gradually becomes a larger than life hero, though an imperfect one: Valjean resents Marius almost bordering on jealousy, due to his love and affection for his adopted daughter Cossette.
A criticism of the book is that it digresses too much into history and Victor Hugo's observations on it, which is not required. I agree with this, but the history lesson is still useful for readers like me who are interested in history ! As Valjean takes Marius through the sewers of Paris, its history made me aware that all cities have their own tales to tell, whether it is the sewers of Paris or the Dharavi slum area in Mumbai !
It is rare that a book moves me: "Les Misérables" is one such treasure.
The humour and the wisdom of the bishop in "Les Misérables" emerge in his statements. Sample these incidents and quotes:
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How witty, universal and noble these thoughts are !
Like M. Myriel states, courage is not only what the soldier displays in the battlefield. It is equally a humble priest opting to go to the woods where a bandit roams about. It is equally the same priest offering a meal in the evening to a tall, rough looking man who has informed him that he is a convict and then treating the man as a respected guest.
Similarly, strength is not only in delivering pain but also in bearing it. Here, Jean Valjean emerges as a beacon of strength and kindness. He is reticent, but generous to the needy. He is quite capable of physical prowess as seen in at least two occasions in the book.
"Les Misérables" is a book that abounds in admirable characterisations and incidents. Similarly, even "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" portrays memorable characters. I decided to read and listen to books by Victor Hugo out of curiosity. After reading "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "Les Misérables", I am just very glad that I read and listened to these books !
Earlier, I had listened and read "The Hunchback of Notre Dame". That novel was my introduction to Victor Hugo. I like it almost as well as "Les Misérables".
This blog post shows my view of these classics.
** NOTE: I have written details of the stories below. If you would like to read the books for yourself, please DON'T read any more of this blog post. **
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunchback_of_Notre-Dame provides details of the plot and context of the novel.I like the way that the characters like Quasimodo and Esmeralda are described in the novel. Quasimodo is not only a hunchback, but is also partially blind and deaf. Esmeralda is a dainty gypsy girl, full of life. She offers water to Quasimodo when he is badly in need of it. This makes Quasimodo fall in love with her. The situation is like "The Beauty and the Beast". On the one hand, there is a charming waif like girl with the voice of a nightingale ; on the other, there is a partially blind, deaf and dumb hunchback. The stage is set for momentous events, particularly since the girl is drawn to a soldier and also has two other suitors.
In both novels, one fact that emerges again and again is Victor Hugo's knowledge of history and of Paris in particular. The manner in which he describes the Notre Dame cathedral in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" brings its majesty to life. The traits of the protagonists are also brought out well: the sheer helplessness and feeling of isolation of Quasimodo ; the innocence of Esmeralda and her goat Djali and the playfulness of Jehan Frollo have stayed in my mind long after I finished reading the book.
"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" deserves to be read to understand how love can drive people in different ways.
"LES MISÉRABLES"
Between the two books of Victor Hugo, I like "Les Misérables" better. The web page https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Misérables provides a good summary of the story.My knowledge of the history of France was mainly limited to the French revolution of 1789. It helped that one of my favourite books, "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens describes the French revolution in all its terrible times. Until I read "Les Misérables", I was unaware that other revolutions followed the French revolution of 1789. The Encyclopedia Britannica article https://www.britannica.com/place/France/France-1815-1940 shows the history of France and the revolutions it has seen.
"Les Misérables" shows us how law and justice can be unfair. The protagonist Jean Valjean is convicted and imprisoned simply because he stole a loaf of bread. That loaf of bread ruins his life as his imprisonment makes Valjean bitter, over time. He attempts to escape, in vain. The book shows us his struggles after he is free.
The good part is that he meets an enlightened bishop M. Myriel who understands the true meaning of mercy. For the first time in his life of poverty and misery, Valjean is treated as an equal by M. Myriel, who feeds him supper. At the time, Valjean does not realise it, but later the kindness and respect shown by M. Myriel serve as catalysts to transform him. He makes his fortune by fair means, though he does it under a false name. In his new life, it is his spirit of charity and willingness to serve the needy that mark the reformed Valjean.
The rest of the book is about Valjean and his adopted daughter Cossette, who falls in love with a man named Marius. The Paris revolution of 1832 is the background for one last heroic act by Valjean: he carries an unconscious Marius through the sewers of Paris.
It is only towards the end of the book that Marius realises that it is Valjean who has rescued him and that though Valjean was a convict, he had completely transformed himself.
According to the Oxford dictionary online, the word "zeitgeist" refers to the spirit of the times, as seen at https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/zeitgeist. I believe that "Les Misérables" captures the zeitgeist of France and Paris during that time in particular.
Victor Hugo's foremost achievement in the book is in the way the characters are developed. It is not just Jean Valjean and the Thenardier couple: even the carefree boy Gavroche is etched out well. He is a vagrant with a caring heart.
At the end of the book, some characters stand out. First, there is the silent and heroic Jean Valjean. The respect and kindness received from the bishop serve as a trigger to completely alter Valjean's attitude. From a bitter convict, he becomes a selfless, strong, mostly silent and charitable person ever willing to help people who appear to require support.
Then there is Javert, the law enforcement official. He is a tenacious man, solely going by the book. In his eyes, Jean Valjean is a convict, which means that he has to be imprisoned. When Javert finds himself in Valjean's captivity during the revolution and Valjean is chosen to execute him, Javert reconciles himself to death at the hands of Valjean. Imagine his surprise when Valjean fires a shot in the air to make it appear to the revolutionaries that he has been executed and then frees him ! Javert simply cannot understand Valjean's attitude ! Javert believes in the letter of the law, rather than the spirit of natural justice. Experiencing Valjean's kindness, he cannot cope with the situation: one part of him pursues Valjean as a convict ; another part of him is puzzled at Valjean's good and selfless nature. Believing that other people are like him, he is torn between these two impulses. Tragically, he decides to kill himself rather than change his thinking regarding Valjean.
The poor Fantine and her sacrifices for her daughter Cossette are depicted with feeling.
The baser side of humanity is exemplified in the Thenardier couple.
There is one other character who can actually match Jean Valjean in kindness: the bishop M. Myriel ! The short priest, his cheerful disposition and his sense of humour form a small portion of the book. However, in my view, it is M. Myriel's inherent faith in humanity in general and Valjean in particular that make the character just as important as Jean Valjean himself.
What I like in the book most is the character of Jean Valjean. I could identify with his bitterness against the world when he is free and finds nobody willing to give him lodging or work on proper terms. After meeting the bishop and assuming a new identity, the empathy that Valjean develops for the poor is shown well. Victor Hugo emphasises Valjean's physical strength and his ability to withstand pain. Jean Valjean gradually becomes a larger than life hero, though an imperfect one: Valjean resents Marius almost bordering on jealousy, due to his love and affection for his adopted daughter Cossette.
A criticism of the book is that it digresses too much into history and Victor Hugo's observations on it, which is not required. I agree with this, but the history lesson is still useful for readers like me who are interested in history ! As Valjean takes Marius through the sewers of Paris, its history made me aware that all cities have their own tales to tell, whether it is the sewers of Paris or the Dharavi slum area in Mumbai !
It is rare that a book moves me: "Les Misérables" is one such treasure.
SOME QUOTES FROM THE BOOKS
Both "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "Les Misérables" offer several memorable quotes. As I read Victor Hugo's description of Paris in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", I was struck by the manner in which he captures the sounds of the bells in Paris' churches and cathedrals. Here is an excerpt:".... behold, rising from each bell tower, something like a column of sound, a cloud of harmony. First, the vibration of each bell mounts straight upwards, pure and, so to speak, isolated from the others, into the splendid morning sky; then, little by little, as they swell they melt together, mingle, are lost in each other, and amalgamate in a magnificent concert."
The humour and the wisdom of the bishop in "Les Misérables" emerge in his statements. Sample these incidents and quotes:
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Madame Magloire liked to call him Your Grace [Votre Grandeur]. One day he rose from his armchair, and went to his library in search of a book. This book was on one of the upper shelves. As the bishop was rather short of stature, he could not reach it. “Madame Magloire,” said he, “fetch me a chair. My greatness [grandeur] does not reach as far as that shelf.”
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“There is a bravery of the priest as well as the bravery of a colonel of dragoons,—only,” he added, “ours must be tranquil.”
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That evening, before he went to bed, he said again: “Let us never fear robbers nor murderers. Those are dangers from without, petty dangers. Let us fear ourselves. Prejudices are the real robbers; vices are the real murderers. The great dangers lie within ourselves. What matters it what threatens our head or our purse! Let us think only of that which threatens our soul.”
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“I am,” replied the Bishop, “a priest who lives here.”
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The Bishop, who was sitting close to him, gently touched his hand. “You could not help telling me who you were. This is not my house; it is the house of Jesus Christ. This door does not demand of him who enters whether he has a name, but whether he has a grief. You suffer, you are hungry and thirsty; you are welcome. And do not thank me; do not say that I receive you in my house. No one is at home here, except the man who needs a refuge. I say to you, who are passing by, that you are much more at home here than I am myself. Everything here is yours. What need have I to know your name? Besides, before you told me you had one which I knew.”
The man opened his eyes in astonishment.
“Really? You knew what I was called?”
“Yes,” replied the Bishop, “you are called my brother.”
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How witty, universal and noble these thoughts are !
Like M. Myriel states, courage is not only what the soldier displays in the battlefield. It is equally a humble priest opting to go to the woods where a bandit roams about. It is equally the same priest offering a meal in the evening to a tall, rough looking man who has informed him that he is a convict and then treating the man as a respected guest.
Similarly, strength is not only in delivering pain but also in bearing it. Here, Jean Valjean emerges as a beacon of strength and kindness. He is reticent, but generous to the needy. He is quite capable of physical prowess as seen in at least two occasions in the book.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
On a social media site, there was a question asking who was the most inspirational character in books. Two of us, including me, responded that Jean Valjean was such an ideal character. I believe that he is one of the few heroes in literature who can serve as role models in life, for the way he transforms himself and for his kindness and strength."Les Misérables" is a book that abounds in admirable characterisations and incidents. Similarly, even "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" portrays memorable characters. I decided to read and listen to books by Victor Hugo out of curiosity. After reading "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "Les Misérables", I am just very glad that I read and listened to these books !
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