Character Evolution in Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables
Any character can fit into one of two categories, static or dynamic. One can consider the changes undergone by dynamic characters evolutions. These evolutions capture the reader’s attention and focus in a novel. Victor Hugo masters the art of character change with both his characters Jean Valjean and Fantine. Quite simply, both Valjean and Fantine undergo substantial changes in their respective natures. Initially, the reader receives a very negative impression of Valjean. For a time, every character he encounters shuns him. Hugo describes him in the excerpt, “A man with a knapsack and a rope, and a terrible looking face” (Hugo 12). Furthermore, the local innkeeper throws him out, acting as if he has no vacancy. Truly the description, “Jean Valjean entered the galleys sobbing and shuddering; he went out hardened; he entered in despair; he went out sullen,” fits Valjean like a glove (Hugo 20). Valjean soon proves the public’s view of him to be well justified. After a kind and selfless priest brings Valjean in from the cold, Valjean repays him by thieving his silver. Miraculously, the priest gives him another
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Approximate Word count = 758
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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