Les Miserables passim has themes of reform, personal development and redemption. These premises are contained within the character of the protagonist Jean Valjean, particularly after his theft and forgiveness therein of his theft of a silver candlestick holder.
These themes however are much more prevalent in Inspector Javert. He has an ultimate moral quandary expressed in his pursuit of the criminal Valjean. He held a virulent belief that the law was the correct course of action. His observations of Valjean’s deportment clashed with his fundamental beliefs on the law. This creates the quandary. Since he could not resolve the quandary, he committed suicide toward the denouement.
Analyze Javert’s thoughts, actions, et alii in his pursuit of Valjean and how it advances the themes and aims of the literature, and ultimately its plot and thesis. An example of a key moment would be where Javert interacts with Valjean as mayor, when Valjean has another identity.
I have long been fascinated with all the characters of Les Miserables, especially the sense that not only is the protagonist a criminal while the antagonist is a police officer, but all the main characters are "bad guys" except Cosette, the one shining example of innocence that must be protected from corruption. Marius, Enjolras, the Schoolboy Revolutionaries, and even Fontine (sp?) might all be worth analysis, perhaps in comparison and contrast with Javert.
Also: fans of RPGs may be familiar with the Lawful Neutral Alignment, of which Javert is the classic example. That may be useful for this article, too. – noahspud4 years ago
Why has "the brick" seen continued revival and adaptations? Examine the ways that history made the novel so anticipated and "famous", but also the themes that might connect with the renditions. For example, was there a political reason to have the most recent 2012 movie adaptation? Or is there a political reason that there was/is a lasting "fandom" around the original text? I feel like there are few classics that have a cult following. Perhaps there could also be a comparison between Les Misérables adaptations and Sherlock Holmes adaptations.
I think it would be good to compare Les Mis to other stories that have taken the same path of this majorly popular musical. – natelemburg9 years ago
