2011211992_Yun Jihun_Les Miserabls

2011211992

Yun Jihun

Mon. 11:00 – 13:00

Jean Valjean

I'm writing about my character Jean Valjean. Jean Valjean has poverty and starvation common during the 1800’s France. I’m unsure of his age, but he is not very old. He is healthy and a smart worker. In this book, Jean Valjean is same with Monsieur Madeleine. Jean Valjean changes his name because he wants to hide his small crime and keep away from inspector Javert.

         Why did Jean Valjean change his name to Monsieur Madeleine? Before entering the prison, although Jean Valjean had poverty and starvation, and he raised his sister’s seven children, he was warm-hearted. That's why Jean Valjean stole a loaf of bread, and he served nineteen years in prison for a loaf of bread. After, exiting the prison, he had only a displeasure and miserable life.

One day an incident that made him change occurred. He begged for dinner and a warm bed to the Bishop of Digne. There were silver plates and silver candlesticks, which attracted Jean Valjean's sight in the bishop of Digne's house. Finally, Jean Valjean stole these, but the police arrested him and took him back to the bishop's house. However, Digne said that he gave these as presents to Jean Valjean, so he was released. For example on page 5~6 hapter 1, Digne forgave Jean Valjean and then he lied to the police that Jean Valjean was not a thief. After that day, he earned a lot of money and he was determined to help like the bishop helped him. He was a warm-hearted man again. As a result, he changed his name to Monsieur Madeleine because he couldn't work anywhere as a criminal and Inspector Javert who trust the law is true knew Jean Valjean was in prison, so he needed to hide his rank.

         During reading this book 'Les Miserables", I thought the book told readers the gloomy background in 1800’s in France. The book’s background showed that people had poverty and starvation and couldn’t find work. It was very hard for people.  Finally, a rebellion occurred against the French government and many people died, so the book was gloomy. In conclusion, 1800’s France social atmosphere was very miserable, so this book’s name is Les Miserables.