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Fantine Character Analysis

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Women have certain roles they tend to take in society, and that is often how they are seen. They have stereotypical roles they take, certain jobs they do, responsibilities they are expected to take and their own troubles. Some of these responsibilities and roles they take come at an advantage while others come as more of a disadvantage. The typical “woman” of society is often labeled as a strong and loving mother, or a person who has a natural care for children. She is also beautiful, kind and caring.
Women are often represented in literature as strong and inspiring characters, in Les Misérables, Fantine’s daughter is said to look like a divine being, possibly an angel. She seemed to look very healthy and peaceful, has a nice dress, it is clean …show more content…

“In the evening she went into the barber’s shop at the corner of the street, and pulled out her comb. Her beautiful hair fell below her waist.” (page 63) Fantine’s hair is a prize, it is beautiful, and she has had it for so long. A woman’s hair is her crown, it is her sign of beauty and strength, especially in the time setting of Les Misérables. So, when Fantine sells her hair to buy a skirt for Cosette, it is a strong and important event. She is beginning to make sacrifices for her child, giving up things she has pride in and she cherishes, things that make her beautiful and strong. “At the same time she smiled. The candle lit up her face. It was a sickening smile, for the corners of her mouth were stained with blood, and a dark cavity revealed itself there. The two teeth were gone.” (page 66) Fantine sold her two teeth for two Napoleons, a fortune, because she was told in the letter from the Thenardiers that Cosette had gotten malaria, and needed money to get her medicine. In the end they only wanted the money, having Fantine sell her teeth for the money that they didn’t need. Fantine had now sacrificed about everything she had, her hair, her teeth, her beauty was gone, she even sold her body. She had essentially sold her happiness for her child’s well being, giving her care from far away without Cosette even knowing

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