Title: Les Miserables
Genre: Historical Fiction
Characters: Jean Valjean- protagonist in the story. Imprisoned because he stole a bread for his sister’s son. Inspector Javert- the antagonist in the story. His only ambition is for jean valjean to be irisoned again Fantine- the damsel, she works in a factory where she was fired and she has no option but to be a courtesan. Cosette- Fantine’s daughter, lover of Marius. Marius- a college student who fell inlove with Cosette
Setting: France, (1800s)
Plot: In the beginning of the story there was a man named Jean Valjean, he was imprisoned because he stole a bread for his sister’s son. He was released from prison and he got to a convent where Fr. Myriel was. Fr. Myriel helped Jean Valjean to be a new man. He was blessed and got a new name from the association of Fr. Myriel. Through his kindness and generosity, his life prospered and built an industry in Montreuil-surmer. Out of his consciousness one of his employee Fantine, was fired because she has an illegitimate child. Without any option she became a prostitute. Javert arrested Fantine because of a minor incident, Jean Valjean was not recognized by Inspector Javert because Valjean was known to be Mayor Madeleine. He forced Javert to release Fantine. Upon hearing the story of Fantine, Jean Valjean takes her into her own house. Fantine was in a poor condition and she died. She died without seeing her child again. There was a time where there was a man was mistakenly identified as Valjean. Valjean appears in court and tells the truth, he was arrested again and he was imprisoned, he loss his business and fortunate life. He prisoned break for many times and eventually he escaped. She rescued Cosette from the Thenadiers. She spent happy moments with Cosette for 8 years. But as Cosette was getting older, Valjean was recapture because of the stealthy deeds of Thenadiers. Cosette met Marius, Marius was a college student who fell in love with Cosette. Their love was for each other were forbidden because of the status of Marius. Marius joined a movement where Valjean was also a member. Valjean protected and rescued Marius for Cosette. Valjean’s wealth was returned and together with Cossete, Marius and Marius’ grandfather they lived happily. As the story ends, Jean Valjean died but he died happily and contented because Cosette and Marius had forgiven him.
Theme: Love
and Forgiveness
Symbolism: Silverwares and Candle sticks – in the beginning of the story, these were the things that Valjean stole from the convent. And these were the reason he changed his life with the help of Fr. Myriel.
1. What does the title mean in relation to the film as a whole?
In English translation, Les Miserables means “The poor wretches”. The title’s relation to the film is that, the film focuses to the economical status of people where there are unfortunate people who struggles just to survive in their everyday life but it seems that fate is being rude to them.
2. Among the characters, to whom can you relate to?
I can relate to Jean Valjean because despite of his wrong deeds, there is still goodness in his heart. And despite of his past (of being an ex-convict) he managed to prosper and change hi life and succeed.
3. Which part of the presentation struck you the most? Why?
When Fantine died without seeing her child again. Because If I were the child of Fantine, its so hard for me to understand where my mother was, and what happened to her. Its so hard o move on when things were still hanging and you didn’t know what happened.
4. What is the movie’s message?
The movie’s message is that despite of all the struggle and hardships in life, there still a chance for your fate to change if you take in charge and change it. You’ll succeed if you want to.
5. Did I like this in general? Why?
Yes, the story is very realistic and many people can relate to it. The story is so inspiring and also it is so dramatic.
6. Did I agree with the main theme/purpose? Why or why not?
The story’s theme is love and forgiveness, Valjean’s love for his nephew caused him to steal a bread where he was imprisoned. Valjean’s past was hidden from Cosette and later revealed. Cosette has forgiven Valjean because they treated each other as family.
7. What specifically did I like/dislike? Why?
When Fantine indulged himself to prostitution because he doesn’t have any option. I don’t think he doest really had an option. If she was persistent in finding a job, she will not choose a job where despite of sells her body, she only earns a penny.
8. Are there any aspects of theme which are left ambiguous at the end? Why?
Yes because the Thenadiers were still finding ways to get Cosette.
9. How does this film relate to the things that are happening in your life?
The story is very realistic. Every scene in the movie were really happening in the society. Our society is really unfair and that was executed in the film. In my life, sometimes, fate is really tricky, sometimes I succeed and sometimes I fail.
