The Moral Dilemmas In Victor Hugo's Les Miserables
A single quiet splash heard by no one signaled the end of Javert, a man of the law in Victor Hugo’s novel Les Miserables. He chases after Jean Valjean for years without rest or relenting, simply because Valjean broke parole. Given an opportunity to capture him, Javert would show no hesitation or mercy to the man who stole a loaf of bread. His resolve in this goal is shattered when Valjean, given the chance to the man pursuing him, instead saves Javert’s life. The conflicting examples of a galley slave and a holy man confound Javert’s biases. Valjean’s actions caused him to struggle internally, and eventually led him to give up on the world that he no longer understands and commits suicide. Rather than fight through the sudden change in his life, Javert succumbed to the struggle. Javert should have endured his moral dilemma rather than end his life. Javert is either unable or unwilling to comprehend the contradiction he experienced. The novel voices his thoughts by stating, “Where was he? He sought himself and found himself no longer,” (Hugo 282). Beliefs building a worldview were shattered by one man, with no obvious repair. At least, that’s what Javert believes. Unquestioned morals controlled Javert leaving him unprepared for when someone unexpected – Valjean – appeared. Without having experienced some opposing views, Javert was unprepared for any challenge. Reevaluating his beliefs or examining them from other angles to make sure he was satisfied with them would have
Reign Of Terror Logos
496 Words | 2 PagesThe reader is about to encounter life-saving and brave individuals during a shocking period of history. The structure of a 1907 novel that describes Englishmen rescuing members of the French aristocracy during the Reign of Terror after the French Revolution can be examined. For example, the author uses diction and a strong choice of words to appeal to the reader’s feelings and emotions. Moreover, the author also uses pathos, ethos, and logos and supporting quotes to enhance the story. The author’s diction and use of pathos, ethos, and logos help to form a theme that pertains to the bravery of the characters in the story.
Huck Finn Civilized Analysis
1015 Words | 5 PagesThe Dauphin’s actions disgust Huck, who was previously blissfully unaware of society’s harsh and cruel nature. Huck, by ripping up his letter to Ms. Watson, and vowing to “steal Jim out of slavery again,” refuses to conform to the society and slavery (223). Huck’s non-conformist attitude conveys his progressiveness and emphasizes society’s archaic view on slavery. Thus, Huck’s experience with the Duke and Dauphin, shows him the cruel reality of slavery as well as the heartless reality of society. Before his experience on land, Huck remained conscious of, but not fully aware of heartless actions.
Les Miserables: Is Jean Valjean Selfish?
1048 Words | 5 PagesIn our opinion this is a selfless action to provide safety for him and Cosette. During the time that he wants to move to England, a few things happened. Someone had scratched an address on the wall, Jean Valjean did not know that Marius was the one doing it and thought someone had violated his garden. ‘’At all events, it was evident that the garden had been violated, and that some persons unknown had penetrated into it.’’ (Hugo 273)
Meursault Existentialism Analysis
3042 Words | 13 PagesAs the invisible man’s journey begins, he is invited to an event with the most prominent white citizens of the city to make a speech. Once the invisible man attends he is asked to perform dreadful activities such as wrestling with other blacks and picking up money from an electrocuted floor just for the mere entertainment of the white folks- that ultimately find their his existence as frivolous; he cooperatively obeys their wishes, all the while in hopes that he will be able to deliver his speech. He completes that which is socially accepted from him, and accepts this himself without protest, oblivious to others and their outrageous expectation of him as a result of his skin color. The primary notion of Existentialism is that “Existence comes
The Return Of Martin Guerre By Natalie Zemon Davis
1099 Words | 5 PagesThe Return of Martin Guerre by Natalie Zemon Davis is a sixteenth century novel soap opera about a popular trial of Martin Guerre’s reappearance to Artigat after abandoning his wife and family for eight or more years. But the Martin that appearance is a poser by the name of Arnaude du Tilh, who is looking to cash in on someone else’s wealth until the real Martin Guerre comes back to Artigat. In this critique of Natalie Zemon Davis’, The Return of Martin Guerre, I will analyze her reason for writing the novel, her use of data, and her diction. Natalie’s reason for writing this novel was to present the lives of peasants in France during the sixteenth century to the twentieth century, for she wanted to give the readers a visual of their glories
Robert Cormier's Heroes
888 Words | 4 PagesRobert Cormier’s Heroes follows Francis Cassavant, a deformed war veteran who returns to his childhood home of Frenchtown to carry out one last mission; kill Larry LaSalle. Initially the narrator does not provide any explanation for his murderous intent, leading the audience to question if this is some post traumatic delusion. As Francis roams the streets of Frenchtown in search of LaSalle, however, we learn of his dark past. The circumstances which transformed Francis from love infatuated adolescent to Silver Star ‘hero’ and form a greater reflection on the injustices of life.
What Is The Corrupt Influence Of Society In Huck Finn
884 Words | 4 PagesHuck has been burned with the idea that he is to blame for Jim’s escape. Huck ultimately feels guilty because he knows he has not done wrong but he has no reason not to believe what society thinks because he was only taught one way. Huck imagines an alternate scenario, thinking “s’pose [he]’d’ a’ done right and give Jim up, would [he] felt better... No…[he'd] feel bad” (91). Huck is aware that the right decision based on society is to give up Jim.
Archetypes In The Movie Hugo Cabret
954 Words | 4 PagesFor this week’s assignment, we were assigned to watch Hugo, which to me was very enjoyable. The film tells viewers about the life of an orphaned young boy named Hugo Cabret. In the movie, Hugo is on a quest for survival. Through this he learns valuable life lessons. Volger’s archetypes, the historical aspects of the narratives in the film, and actor portrayls all serve as a reflection of Hugo’s heroism.
The Return Of Martin Guerre Analysis
1849 Words | 8 PagesThe Return of Martin Guerre by Natalie Zemon Davis provides a unique look into the lives of commoners in sixteenth century France. The book follows the story of the disappearance, supposed reappearance and the court cases of Martin Guerre. Davis seeks to present why these events occurred by first placing them in historical context. Typically, peasants are depicted as not having much control over their lives, but Davis attempts to show that that is not necessarily true. Over the course of this book, she analyzes the role that emotions played in peasants’ decisions, and ultimately how those emotions shaped events.
Boue De Suif Character Analysis
1652 Words | 7 PagesMaupassant’s Boule de Suif is set in late 19th century France during the Franco-Prussian war and focusses on the journey of ten very different characters travelling from Rouen to Le Havre. The short story illustrates to us the long journey of the ten passengers by stagecoach and the tensions which arise between such contrasting characters. Through the use of a third person omniscient narrator, Maupassant introduces to us the main character of Boule de Suif and the nine other passengers sharing the carriage with her. The ten are all unique and are divided in terms of social class and political views. We have in the extract under examination, the scene in which Boule de Suif begins to form a bond with the others by sharing her food with them.
The Confessions Of Jean-Jacques Rousseau Analysis
1355 Words | 6 PagesThe autobiography, The Confessions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, provides a vivid insight into the complicated, yet exhilarating, life of Rousseau. The beginning of his life was filled with misfortunes, such as the death of his mother which was quickly followed by a distraught and self-sabotaging attitude which his father adopted. This led to his father’s involvement in illegal behaviors and the subsequent abandonment of Rousseau. His mother’s death was the catalyst for his journey to meet multiple women who would later affect his life greatly. The Influence of Miss Lamberciers, Madame Basile, Countess de Vercellis, and Madam de Warens on the impressionable adolescent mind of Rousseau led to the positive cultivation of self-discovery and the creation of new experiences, as well as the development of inappropriate sexual desires and attachments towards women.
Analysis Of Rousseau's Essay 'Confession'
1365 Words | 6 Pages[hook] During the eighteenth century, after the revolution, a famous author, Rousseau, wrote an essay “Confession”, where he explored himself, even the most embarrassing moments he experienced, by telling readers how he behaved and exposing how he felt in that way. As he said readers should not feel shame of or blame him of what he did. Even we should encourage and send applause to him because his confession is not only about how he acted in the society but also what it did to him. Instead of judging him, the more valuable thing is to understand what motivated his action. Here is an interesting story in his life that he stole the ribbon and framed Marion.
The Diary Of A Madman Character Analysis
861 Words | 4 PagesIt can be quite easy to make assumptions about one’s character upon first glance or first encounter, but often these first assumptions are not a direct representation of a person’s true disposition. In the short story, “The Diary of a Madman” by Guy de Maupassant, an esteemed magistrate is being remembered for the model citizen he was, having lived a life that no one could subject to criticism. However, a notary uncovered his diary in a drawer in his home, in which he entailed his tendencies and cravings for murder that no one had expected of him. Within this text, the author uses the character of the magistrate to convey the theme that one’s true character cannot be decided from external appearance or actions. From the beginning of the text, it is made evident that this man was revered as the most well-respected judge in all of France.
Les Miserables Historical Analysis
3327 Words | 14 PagesThis essay will examine the historical accuracy of the film Les Miserables in terms of the social, economic and political conditions in French society post French Revolution. The film Les Miserables depicts an extremely interesting time in French history (from about 1815-1832.) Even though the story line does not depict every detail and event that occurred during the time period as well as the fact that some aspects are dramatized for entertainment purposes, the film effectively spans thirty years of economic, political and social aspects of French Society. However it also manages to bring in references to the past, the French Revolution (1789-1799) and the impact it had on the society portrayed in the film.
Jean Valjean Character Analysis
749 Words | 3 PagesIt is a story with a long and intricate plot, of the heroic life of a simple and good man in the person of Jean Valjean. He is a very memorable character who is morally upright but guilty of certain thefts for which he feels remorse. To avoid capture and life sentence, he assumes the identity of Monsieur Madeliene, soon becoming the mayor of the small town he has adopted. It is a very beautiful story packed with excitement.
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