Les Miserables Lesson Plan

Discuss the symbolic significance of Jean Valjean's chosen name to the people of Montreuil-sur-mer.

During his new life in Montreuil-sur-mer, Valjean adopts the name of a famous penitent: Mary Magdalene, long believed to have been a prostitute redeemed by Jesus.

Mary Magdalene was said to have abandoned her sinful life to become one of Jesus' most loyal followers. In the same way, Valjean sets aside his past life as an ex-convict to become a respected businessman who spreads charity everywhere. Still, this new life would not have been possible without a chance accident (Valjean's rescue of the police chief's children) and his continuous obscuration of his true...