Empathy In The Film 'Les Misérables'

The film Les Misérables, based upon Victor Hugo’s novel and directed by Tom Hooper, follows the life of Jean Valjean upon his release from prison and his attempt to live honourably in successive years. Valjean spends his life working his way out of poverty, encountering many different social classes and ways of life during the French Revolution. The characters Javert, Fantine and the bishop each demonstrate different approaches to life; Javert focusing on enforcing the law, Fantine willing to do anything to support her child, and the bishop demonstrating generosity and forgiveness towards Valjean's wrongdoings. As Valjean confronts each character, he learns to accept differing mindsets and circumstances. Through these encounters, Hugo’s underlying message and ideology remain the same. Compassion and empathy are essential for human fulfillment. Through the musical Les Misérables, Tom Hooper flawlessly illustrates the notions of

Valjean, upon leaving prison, quickly realizes that being empathetic is essential to his success. Valjean first learns this lesson when he steals silver from the bishop. When the police arrest Valjean and attempt to return the stolen silver, telling the bishop “[Valjean] had the nerve to say you gave him this”, the bishop immediately tells the police that Valjean “has spoken true” (Hooper, Les Misérables). Although the bishop knows that Valjean truly committed the crime, he aids Valjean due to his empathetic nature. The compassion displayed by the bishop demonstrates his acceptance of others, such as Valjean, who are habituated to a different way of life, knowing only to steal when in need as they are incapable of finding any other source of income. The bishop’s compassionate and empathetic demonstration teaches Valjean the importance of accepting others, despite their differences, demonstrating Hugo’s message of empathy as essential for human