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Analysis Of Jean Valjean In Les Miserables

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To change is to become different in one or many areas of your life, but what brings about this change? In the movie Les Miserables, written by Victor Hugo, and produced by Columbia Pictures in 1998, we see two men that are battling with each other due to mistakes made by Jean Valjean. Initially Valjean is no more than a convict because of his mindset and actions, but after being given back to God by the bishop, and receiving a second chance, he finds that he is capable of becoming a better man, but he must first realize that his past does not determine his future. Javert, who dedicated his entire life to keeping Valjean captive, is not able to accept that change is possible, despite being given many life changing opportunities by his enemy. For both men forgiveness was necessary to change their ways, but Valjean was the only one who was able to accomplish this. However, Javert permitted his inability to accept growth drive him to the point of death.
In the beginning of the movie, Jean Valjean is presented as a convict, who was imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread. While in jail, he faced many life changing experiences that left him with long lasting trauma. He was beaten by one of the guards, Javert, which is where their conflict began. During that time, if you were a convict you were labeled for life, which meant Valjean had little to no hope for his future. After receiving a second chance from the bishop, who he had stolen thousands of dollars worth of silver from,

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