'Les Misérables,' a story for the ages, teaches us about redemption

Could you ever imagine an author sitting down at his desk to write a novel of five volumes on 2,783 pages with some 655,478 words?

Victor Hugo, a French romantic writer, did just that and published his book "Les Misérables" (which translates as "the miserable" or "wretched ones") in 1862.

No, I have not read those 655,478 words, but am quite familiar with Hugo’s tale.

The book’s review contains many interesting plots and subplots in regard to the peaks and valleys of mankind’s character.

A more important aspect of Hugo’s work is that his book and story has been transformed into one of the most epic, entertaining and successful theater productions of all time.

In his novel, he examines the many facets of humanity.

Now one might find it difficult to imagine some kid from Dargan going to see Hugo’s stirring novel come to life on a theater stage, but it’s true.

Many years ago, my daughter, Amy, invited me to see a high school theater production and I was enthralled. This invitation then led me on a journey of many fine plays and musicals over the years, but there is none quite like "Les Misérables."

It is a most interesting story, and the music is quite phenomenal.

The play opens with the main character, Jean Valjean, Prisoner 24601, being released from prison after serving 19 years (five for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s starving kids, and 14 more for trying to escape).

He has no place to live, no money and makes his way to the residence of a bishop who provides shelter for the night and feeds him. When the priest retires for the evening, Valjean steals his silverware and leaves the home, only to be apprehended by the police.

When the police return the silver, the bishop informs them that he has given Valjean the items so he may reform.

The bishop tells Valjean that his soul has been purchased for God, and that he should use money from the silver to make an honest man of himself.

Later Valjean also steals a coin from a boy, violates his parole and is hunted by the police.

But soon Valjean does reform and becomes the proprietor of a factory and brings prosperity to a small town.

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Another character, Fantine, is on her way back home with her illegitimate infant, Cossette, whom she gives to some inn keepers while she looks for a job and finds one at Valjean’s factory.

Unfortunately, because of the illegitimate child, she is fired from her job and resorts to prostitution to survive. While on the streets, she is arrested by Chief Inspector Javert who is also searching for the man who robbed the 12-year-old boy.

Hugo’s story follows the footsteps of Valjean throughout his journey from thief, imprisonment, release and violation of his parole, and adoption of Cossette upon Fantine’s death.

The many characters of Hugo’s novel are entwined as he examines the many conflicting issues of life. Hugo himself said the story was, "a progress from evil to good, from injustice to justice, from falsehood to truth, from night to day, from appetite to conscience, from corruption to life, from hell to heaven, and from nothingness to God."

Valjean is the hero of the play, but one who has to rise from a dark dungeon of 19 years imprisonment to become a good and reformed citizen.

Throughout Valjean’s adventure, Inspector Javert is searching for Prisoner 24601 and catches up with him at the barricade during a revolutionary battle between the town folk and the country’s military.

But as Javert attempts to arrest Valjean, the defenders of the barricade recognize Javert as the enemy, and Valjean is dispatched to execute him. Valjean instead forgives him and grants him his life, which befuddles Javert.

Forgiveness is an important aspect of life.

Valjean then saves the life of Marius, Cossette’s boyfriend, at the barricade and carries him through the sewers of the city back to his home where Marius is treated and recovers. Later Marius and Cossette are married.

Javert, feeling the guilt of his behavior, later jumps from a bridge and drowns himself in the river.

The story has many interesting plots and characters who represent the evil and good of the world. It is a most interesting performance on stage that examines the many emotions of mankind.

And as Valjean’s journey from the pits of despair to the gates of heaven conclude, the play ends with a humble piece of advice for all to hear:

“Remember, the truth that once was spoken; to love another person is to see the face of God!”

And perhaps that is so.

Pete Waters is a Sharpsburg resident who writes for The Herald-Mail.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Victor Hugo's novel-turned-musical follows evil to good