How Does Hugo Present Jean Valjean's Love

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First of all, Victor Hugo uses direct and indirect characterization to display Jean Valjean’s love. An example of this is when Jean takes Cosette from the Thenadiers to take care of her because he made a promise to Fantine. He learns to love her unconditionally and take her as one of his own. Hugo writes, “Cosette gazed at the miraculous doll with a kind of terror. Her face was still wet with tears, but her eyes like the sky at dawn were beginning to glow with a strange new brightness” (128). This quote is explaining how Cosettes young life had not been easy until Jean came into it. The doll is symbolizing that transformation is about to take place in her life. Cosettes misfortune is about to change now that Jean has come to take care of her. Furthermore, Jean Valjean takes Cosette to the convent where they start a new life. In the movie Jean starts Cosette in Convent school to give her an opportunity to start on an education. Then shortly after realizes it would be unfair to …show more content…

He does this because he cares for her and thinks she deserves a life full of meaning and experience. Next, Jean Valjean sacrifices himself for his daughter so she can be with Marius because he did his part in raising her. For instance, Jean exclaims, this is right, my dear. I stole something, I did. I stole happiness with you. I don’t mind paying. (Movie) This correlates to how Jean is willing to sacrifice his life because he loves Cosette and is willing to do anything for her happiness. Jean now wants Cosette to be happy with Marius whom she loves. Overall Jean Valjean love for Cosette has allowed Victor Hugo to use direct and indirect characterization as he talks about the thoughts and feelings of Jean. In addition, the novel Les Miserables by Victor Hugo uses a static character to display Javerts love for his job. An example of this is when Javert arrives as