Love Conquers All: The Central Theme of Les Miserables Anonymous 9th Grade

Love is one of the fundamental principles of humanity. It is what ties humans together as a people, and is vital to society. As such, it has influenced the world in countless ways, just one of which being through literature. Les Misèrables tells the tale of Jean Valjean, a convicted criminal who must escape his past and reclaim his humanity in a world gripped by poverty and oppression. Though he faces many obstacles, he is eventually able to redeem himself through the love of those around him, and is, for the first time in years, able to return that love. Throughout Victor Hugo’s classic French novel Les Misèrables, several themes appear, and yet none are as influential as love, whether it be religious, romantic, or parental.

Jean Valjean’s life was first changed by religious, spiritual love. When he entered the town of Digne, nobody would accept him into their homes on account of his criminal past. For hours, he wandered the town, searching for a place to spend the night until the Bishop took him in. Though this alone was significant, the Bishop didn’t stop there. His love was repeated soon after Jean Valjean attempted to rob him of his silver. Instead of allowing him to be thrown back into the galleys, the Bishop forgave him...