The Redemption of Jean Val Jean in Les Mis

The Growth of Jean ValJean. “You no longer belong to evil, but to good. It is your soul I am buying for you. I withdraw it from the dark thoughts and from the spirit of perdition, and I give it to God!” (Hugo, 30) This dramatic statement uttered by the bishop, Magloire in Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables , pierced though the many coarse protective outer layers of Jean Valjean, awakening his slumbering soul. The bishop’…showed first 75 words of 958 total…

…showed last 75 words of 958 total…role of his daughter, his mentor, and his sister. Under her influence he continues to grow “his whole heart melt(ing) in gratitude, (as) he loved her more and more.” (190) Growing from an isolated man focused on his own fortune with Cosette’s loving teacher, caring for her becomes the initiative behind his every action. This personal growth in Valjean is perhaps the hardest to achieve but the most significant in his path to redemption.