Les Miserables, the segundo

Side note. I saw the David Tennant/Patrick Stewart 2009 version of Hamlet and it is PHENOMENAL. Whew. They actually did it on the stage first and filmed 6 months later. The filming is spectacular and I wish I had the costuming skills of whomever made the queen's dresses. It also made me laugh that Hamlet's casual costume was a Tshirt with a faux set of abs painted on. Also, I'm in love with David Tennant. End of story.

Well, let's examine themes, motifs and symbolism, shall we??? I'm excited. ARE YOU??? ;)

(snow days make me silly)

REDEMPTION/NEW BEGINNINGS

Every time there is an act of redemption, a realization of the sins or faults within and action taken to fix the faults, there is a new beginning. For example Jean Valjean is redeemed numerous times and always embarks on another life. The last time he does, it is in fact another life entirely he goes to. IN FACT, all of this redemption and stuff just happens to mirror the numerous French Revolutions. Hugo lived through the exact time period of the book, where barricades and cries of "Vive l'Republique!" were a way of life. Every Revolution gave France new birth, but just like Jean Valjean could never seem to attain the permanent stability it needed and gave much of itself to protect "Cosette", the innocent young of France bursting with life and happiness.

Alright. Possibly I read way to much into that. But I believe much of it is true. The book spends a lot of time at the barricades. (SPOILER: Amendment: Javert, Jean Valjean's foil, runs up against this redemption and for him it is too strong for him and he takes his life rather than live in a world where convicts can repent. Just thought I'd throw that in.)

LES MISERABLES

The miserable ones. That's probably not an exact translation but you get it. The book shows every type of misery in France and applauds their nobleness of character the better troubles are borne. Just read the book for Pete's sake. ...

THE STARS

There are several marvelous quotes about stars. From where I'm sitting, Stars symbolize perfection or peace that is unattainable and unreachable that looks down and offers hope to those who are struggling on earth.

LIGHT VS DARKNESS

When Jean Valjean is redeemed the first time, he receives a gift of candlesticks form Bishop Bienvenu. Wow. That can't be symbolic.... When coming out of the sewers t0 the fact that the poorer you are the less light you'll have is full of symbolism. It's pretty standard. The last chapter returns to this symbolism as it refers to the "new life" Jean Valjean and France is headed to: Supreme Shadow, Supreme Dawn.

One more post to come.