A Study Guide for "Les Miserables" (lit-to-film)

By Gale and Cengage

A Study Guide for "Les Miserables" (lit-to-film), excerpted from Gale's acclaimed Novels for Students.This concise study guide includes plot summary; character analysis; author biography; study questions; historical context; suggestions for further reading; and much more. For any literature project, trust Novels for Students for all of your research needs.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cengage Learning - Gale
• Release date: May 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781410393562

Book preview

18

Les Misérables

Victor Hugo

2012

Introduction

Victor Hugo's 1862 novel Les Misérables is often considered his masterpiece. The story centers on Jean Valjean, who is sent to prison for stealing a loaf of bread and ends up serving nineteen years. When he is released, Valjean struggles to overcome his understandable bitterness and becomes a good, honest, and benevolent man.

The 2012 film adaptation of Hugo's novel, directed by Tom Hooper with a screenplay by William Nicholson, is based on the wildly popular musical play. Fans of the stage production reacted variably to the film—some raved, and others thought many roles were miscast. However, most critics agreed that Hooper's daring decision to have the actors sing their parts live rather than dubbing the vocals resulted in an emotionally raw adaptation. The story sweeps the viewer along with passionate love, equally fervent revolutionary spirit, and a stirring score.

Plot Summary

The film opens with a battered French flag floating in water, perhaps symbolizing that the nation is still floundering since the 1789 revolution. Text explains that a king once again sits on the throne.

A huge team of convicts stretched along tow ropes works to pull a ship into a berth for repairs while Inspector Javert and guards look on. After the workday, the convicts enter a hatch, presumably to a dungeon. Javert stops one man, Jean Valjean, and orders him to pick up the flag, which is still attached to a large segment of ship's mast—a true feat of strength. Javert informs Valjean that after nineteen years in prison—five years for stealing a loaf of bread and time added for trying to escape—he has been paroled but must carry papers to identify himself as an ex-convict.

Valjean walks far, relieved to be free but bitter about being imprisoned for so long. He tries to find work but is scorned because of his papers. Innkeepers turn him away. His movements will be watched for the rest of his life. A kind bishop sees Valjean on the street and offers him a meal and a warm, dry bed. After the household is asleep, Valjean steals some valuable silver pieces from the bishop's cabinet (the pieces likely belong to the church). When he is caught, Valjean claims the bishop has given him the silver. The bishop confirms the story to protect to Valjean and also gives him a pair of candlesticks, urging