Lauren Caffarelli~The Barricade

The Barricade

~Blog post #5~

Topic E

May 15, 2015

By: Lauren Caffarelli

Les Miserables is set during the French Revolution.  During this particular scene, the Revolutionary army creates a barricade to fight against the French army.  The barricade represents an obstacle for Jean Valjean, but no matter what obstacle he faces he displays compassion for others.

When Jean Valjean, wearing his National Guard dress first arrives to the barricade, he offers his uniform to a father so this stranger can return to his family without being killed by the army.  By doing this Jean Valjean relinquishes any chance of returning home safely because without his uniform he no longer can prove that he is on the French side.  He sacrifices himself to save someone else. 

At this point, the revolution authorities are holding Javert hostage because they believe he is a spy.  They are worried that the French army will attack so the leader orders Javert's execution.  Jean Valjean volunteers himself to carry out the killing.  However, he cuts the rope and says to Javert' "You are free."  In addition, he gives Javert his address in case Javert wants to arrest him.   He understands why Javert has been hunting him down, but Jean Valjean doesn't want to kill him because he doesn't want the regret of taking anyone’s life.  He has turned his life around from the galleys and doesn't want to go back.  

Jean Valjean saves a third life, Marius.  His initial reason for coming to the barricade is to save Marius for Cosette.  Retrieving Marius after he has been shot,  Jean Valjean carries him through a sewer all the way home.  Even though he has not been a supporter of Cosette and Marius's relationship because he doesn't want to lose Cosette, he saves Marius because he understands how much he means to Cosette.

In all three situations, he puts others before himself.  Jean Valjean is truly a changed man from the beginning of the book.  Instead of taking advantage of others for the benefit of himself, Jean Valjean saves others through personal sacrifice.

The Miserable Ones -Blog Post #5- Topic J May 15, 2015

Colleen Kadowaki

Molyneaux

English-B

15 May 2015

The Miserable Ones

In Victor Hugo’s Les Miseables, the title literally translates to "The Miserable Ones." These miserable people are “very depraved, very corrupt, very vile, [and] very hateful” (205). Each character in this novel has baggage that they are carrying around which makes them fall under this category, and many characters are orphans who are alone and lost. Jean Valjean, the central character to which this book is about, has a hard life in the beginning. He loses his family and walks around towns just trying to find a place to call home for the night. Time and time again, he is rejected until the bishop takes him in and gives him a place for the night. Cosette has a similar situation however she never knows her family. Even though her mother wants a better life for her, she cannot help but feel a sense of abandonment. The Thénardiers certainly never treated her like family for “the dog and cat were her messmates. Cosette ate with them under the table in a wooden dish” (46). Cosette grows up an orphan and the only time she feels she has a family, is with Jean Valjean. Jean takes Cosette in as his daughter and “he [is] the support of this child, and this child [is] his prop and staff” (125). This novel is not about how life has no light at the end of the tunnel, this novel is a story showing that happiness is possible without all the material things in life.

 

Blog Post #5 Topic A Caitlin Cook

Caitlin Cook
Ms. Molyneaux
English Honors-B
15 May 2015

Love

A significant quote in Les Miserables is describes the loving relationship between Cosette and Jean Valjean. After Jean saved Cosette from the Thenardiers their relationship began to grow closer. Jean starts to feel "Something new entering his soul. Jean had never loved anything" before he loved Cosette (123). This quote is important because this is the first time Jean ever loved anyone. He finally learned to love Cosette and eventually she became the most important part of his life. They were each others family when no one else was and they offered each other support. He was willing to do anything for her and grew to be a fatherly figure to Cosette. She gives him something to live for and they need one another in their lives. This is a sign that Jean is a change person. He puts aside his criminal life and works to become and honest man for her.

Blog Post #5 Ali Cepon Les Misérables

Ali Cepon

Ms.Molyneaux

H. English, Per.B

May 14, 2015

Les Misérables

            The title Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables reveals a lot about the novel, one example is the common theme of suffering. “A fatal word, Les Misérables” can be described as one who is “very depraved, very corrupt, very vile, very hateful, but… fall[s] without becoming degraded” (205). The main character Jean Valjean, is a very good example of this word. When Jean is young he loses his mother to “a milk fever” and “his father… was killed by a fall from a tree. Jean Valjean now had but one relative left, his sister, a widow with seven children” (22). He has no money, no food, and is left alone with eight hungry mouths to feed. He suffers to meet this goal, and he steals to in order to accomplish this goal. This puts him in more suffering because he now has to spend “nineteen years in the galleys” (16). Jean Valjean suffers in his life multiple times, but he isn’t the only one. Jean Valjean’s adopted daughter, Cosette, also suffers a lot through out her life. Her mother leaves her with a family that treats her like a charity case, she becomes “The Lark” of the town, and she ends up growing up without ever knowing her mother (47). Through out this book more and more characters are introduced. All of these characters suffer in their own way, but the strong one’s, like Cosette and Jean Valjean, never degrade when they fall. Everyone in the world suffers, even today. We all can be called Misérable, but we have to decide if that will change who we are.

Blog #4 Lauren Caffarelli Death of Love at First Sight

Death of Love at First Sight

Blog post #4

Topic H

May 8, 2015

Lauren Caffarelli

In Les Miserables, Marius and Cosette’s love for one another is similar to Romeo and Juliet’s in Shakespeare’s play.  Both of their loves are based on brief periods of knowing one another.  Both couples are in love before knowing their lover’s name.  Romeo and Juliet fall in love at first sight at a party, and Marius and Cosette begin to love one another by just seeing each other in a park.  They both develop feelings of love before even talking; Marius and Cosette “lived by gazing upon each other” (254).  Their intense attraction grows before words are spoken.

In addition, neither couple is given approval of their romantic relationship by their parents. In Romeo and Juliet, they marry secretly because Juliet knows her father will never approve of a marriage to a Montague due to family rivalry.  Similarly, Cosette’s father, Jean Valjean does not approve of Marius.  In fact, he “detested this young man” (255).  Jean Valjean loves Cosette exceedingly and does not want anyone coming between them.  He views Marius as an enemy because Jean Valjean knows Marius has the power to gain Cosette’s love.  In both novels, the parents feel that they will lose the love of their treasured child to an unworthy spouse.

Furthermore, Marius promises to Cosette that if she shall “go away, (he) shall die” (271).  He cannot bear the thought of living without her, so he would rather die.  Similarly to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, when Romeo believes that Juliet is dead, he decides to take his own life because he thinks it will be less painful then trying to go on living without Juliet. 

Luxembourg Changes Cosette~ Blog Post #4~ Topic E~ May 8, 2015~ By Ali Cepon

Ali Cepon

Ms.Molyneaux

H. English, Per.B

May 8, 2015

Luxembourg Changes Cosette

            In Hugo’s Les Misérables we get to see Cosette turn from a young hopeless little girl into a beautiful young lady. There is one particular place where this change occurs, “Luxembourg” (267). Cosette is a young girl who only loves one, her father.  While making her and Jean Valjean’s daily walks in Luxembourg something hits her, something that brings her into womanhood, love. Her eyes that “were of deep celestial blue” meet with a man named Marius (191). One day Cosette and her father walk to their usual place in Luxembourg, but this time after sitting on their usual bench they decide to take a little walk to the fountain. Cosette “had taken the arm of” her “father, and they were coming slowly towards the middle of the walk where Marius was” (196). When she passes Marius she says five simple words, “It is I who come,” and from that moment on they were “desperately in love” (196-97). This is really a key place for Cosette. This is when she begins to have feelings for someone other then her father. Soon after this she looks into the Toussaint’s mirror and realizes that “she was beautiful and handsome, [and at this moment] the consciousness of her beauty came to her entire” (250). All of the events that occur after Cosette meets Marius in “Luxembourg” change her into a young lady (253). She gets her first crush, she realizes that she is beautiful, and she reunites with the one she adores. Cosette has changed from a young girl who likes to play in the garden to a young lady who makes eye contact with her love in “Luxembourg, near the Gladiator” (267).

Star-Crossed Lovers -Blog Post #4- Topic H May 8, 2015

Colleen Kadowaki

Molyneaux

English-B

8 May 2015

Star-Crossed Lovers

In Hugo’s Les Miseables, the secret relationship of Cosette and Marius is similar to that of Romeo and Juliet. Both Romeo and Marius and “lost in love,” and are love-struck as soon as they see Cosette and Juliet (267). It is love at first sight. Likewise, “Cosette had fallen back into the profound seraphic love” just as Juliet had been blissfully in love (266). Another comparison that can be made between the two couples is that they are both fairly young and that is a result of the time that they live in.  Romeo and Juliet are star crossed lovers from feuding families. Even though Marius’s family is not feuding with Cosette’s, there is a sense of secrecy. They sneak around and it seems as if their love is forbidden just as Romeo and Juliet’s is. It is clear that Jean is not happy with this relationship as “Nature silently warned him of the presence of Marius” and this causes him to shudder (255). Even though Cosette and Marius think they are keeping their relationship from Jean, he knows and he “cordially detest[s] this young man” (255). A way Marius can be compared to Romeo is how he believe “that it is impossible that God should wish to separate [them]” and he thinks that it is fate that they should be together (271). There are many similarities between Cosette and Marius and Romeo and Juliet. Love is a strong emotion that seems to have overtaken them and now their love is all that matters, even if it means they have a secret relationship.

Love at first sight- connection to a book- blog #4- May 7, 2015

Caitlin Cook

Ms. Molyneaux

Honors English- B

7 May, 2015

Love at First sight

In Victor Hugo's, Les Miserables, the relationship between Marius and Cosette reminds me of the relationship between Claudio and Hero in, Much Ado About Nothing. Both of these relationships begin through the “fairytale” saying, love at first sight. They fall for one another by just a quick glance, making brief eye contact. To begin, in Les Miserables when Marius and Cosette first interact with one another through this eye contact there is a spark between them. They immediately adore each other, leaving them with the new confusing feeling of love. This new feeling of love toward one another draws both of them in, wanting more. Although they are not yet even acquainted, when they lay eyes upon each other it is like “the stars in the sky separated by millions of leagues” and all that matters is them and their love for one another (254). This reminds me of the relationship between Claudio and Hero, because they fell in love and decided to get married before even meeting eachother. Most people would believe this to be a rash decision, but in their world filled with love, all they could think of was each other, much like Marius and Cosette when they first glanced upon each other. Therefore, although in society today people do not believe in love at first sight, is is a similarity shared between these two novels that we read in class.

Sacriface for Love -Blog Post #3- Topic A May 1, 2015

Colleen Kadowaki

Molyneaux

English-B

1 May 2015

Sacrifice for Love

            In the novel, Les Miserables, Marius’s father, Georges Pontmercy, “[sacrifices] his own happiness [for] the future of his child” (163). It is necessary to know this history to understand Marius’s actions. All his life Marius is told that his father abandoned him and he began to “think of his father only with shame and with a closed heart” (162). What really happens is Georges is made to stay away by the Gillenormand. Georges stays away so his son will have a better opportunity to live his life. Even though Georges has to cut communication, it does not stop him from seeing Marius even though Marius does not know it. Marius does not know nor understand the sacrifice his father is making. Georges makes an agreement with Gillenormand that makes sure Marius will receive inheritance from his family and will not be cut off. Until the church warden tells Marius that his father has secretly been coming to see him, Marius begins to be curious about his father. The fact that Georges risked being seen by Aunt Gillenormand just to see his son shows how deeply he really cares for him. Also, the way Georges agreed to stay out of Marius’s life is a huge sacrifice. It shows that Georges is caring and he truly wants his son to have a better future. Twice a year Georges is allowed to write Marius “very tender letters, which the grandfather thrust into his pocket without reading” (163). Clearly Georges is doing what he believes is best for his son because he loves him and he wants Marius to know that he loves him and did not abandon him.

LesMis~ Blog Post 3~ Topic C~ May 1, 2015~ by Ali Cepon

Ali Cepon

Ms.Molyneaux

H. English, Per.B

May 1, 2015

A Sour Relationship

In the beginning of Les Misérables the Thénardiers take in Fantine’s daughter, Cosette. They “look upon the little girl as a child which they sheltered for charity, and they treated her as such…she became the servant of the house” (46-47).  Jean Valjean doesn’t really know the Thénardiers. All he knows is that they have Fantine’s daughter, and that he promises Fantine that he will get her her daughter. “Jean Valjean had rescued Cosette from the clutchesof the Thénardiers” (118). Once he fulfills his promise he never sees the Thénardiers again. They really don’t have a relationship with each other except that Jean Valjean takes their maid from them.  Many years after Jean Valjean takes Cosette away from the Thénardiers they have another encounter. This time the Thénardiers have a sour feeling towards Jean Valjean because he took away their “Lark” (222). The Thénardiers and Jean Valjean haven’t seen each other for many years, and all these years the Thénardiers have been holding their anger in and waiting for revenge.  When the Thénardiers, now known as the Jondrette’s, see a man they believe is Jean Valjean they seize the opportunity to get revenge. What they want from Jean Valjean is Cosette, and after they get Cosette the plan is “to kill him” (230). The relationship between Jean Valjean and the Thénardiers starts off as absolutely nothing, but as time passes so do feelings. Their relationship turns into a life or death situation where Jean Valjean is the one who is suppose to lose this time around. Hatred held in for many years can be a big cause for a sour relationship or feeling towards one, and this is what happens to the Thénardiers and Jean Valjean.

Caitlin Cook Blog Post #1

Charity

Blog Post #3

Topic D

May 1, 2015

By: Caitlin Cook

Common themes that have been recurring in Les Miserables are the themes of charity and poverty. These themes come with one another and help the other exist. To begin, both Jean Valjean and Marius grow up in poverty. They struggle day to day but worke to escape this poverty. Later on, they help other people suffering from poverty by giving them charity. They do not focus on this charity work because they are rich with extra money to share, but they help because they truly want to help these other people lives. This shows that the work of charity comes from putting others first and working to help them. For example, when a needy girl came to Marius’s door to ask for help he “gave the five francs” to her, leaving himself with very little money left (204). Therefore, even though Marius might not have had much to give he put the need of this girl before his own, and gave her the money. This act of selflessness by Marius allows charity to occur and help people out. There are many characters in this novel that face poverty, and with the acts of charity by those that are able, it helps out many of these people. To conclude, with the existence of poverty those who give charity are help the others around them.  

Lauren Caffarelli Blog Post #3 ORPHANS

Orphans

Blog Post #3

Topic D

April 30, 2015

By: Lauren Caffarelli

            In the third section of Les Miserables, another character named Marius is introduced who also is estranged from his family.  Similarily, both Cosette and Jean Valjean are left without a family.  Although they find safety and comfort in one another, Marius is left to fend for himself after he leaves his family.  This motif of orphans and estranged family members reveals the importance of finding strength in oneself or others to stay motivated.

            Cosette and Jean Valjean create a strong father-daughter bond between each other that provides commitment and a purpose in their lives.  Jean Valjean experiences his “first love” with Cosette (123).  This strong sense of responsibility motivates Jean Valjean to do everything he can to protect and support Cosette.  She gives him the opportunity to become an honest and caring man after being sent to prison for a second time.  Cosette also begins “to love this kind old friend” (124).  She is very grateful that he rescued her from horrid living conditions and brought her to safety.

            Marius leaves his grandfather’s home because he is distraught after learning the truth about his father.  He can’t believe he has been lied to his entire life.  Throughout his young life, his father is depicted as an evil, unloving “bandit,” while he really is a compassionate gentleman who wants the best for his son (162). While living on his own, Marius has to find strength within himself to keep living. Trying to escape “the cud of bitterness,” he learns to be happy with the little things (181).  He is motivated by making the best out of his situation.  Marius is able to thrive off of very little.

            These three characters overcome their estranged family situations.  Each of them is an orphan in their own way, and they find strength in themselves to create a new life.

Disscussion #3 Led by Caitlin

Lead By: Caitlin Cook
Notetaker: Ali Cepon

*We started off this disscussion by talking about what happend in the beginning of the section Marius.

1. Does wealth spoil ones character?
         - Yes and No. If wealth is one's number one responsibility then yes it will spoil             one's character. But, if one puts family and morals before things like money then         no it won't spoil one's character.
2. Describe the relationship between Marius and his grandfather. How is it similar or different to Jean and Cosette's relationship?
        - When Marius was young his mother died so his grandfather gave Marius' father         a choice: keep your son and he gets no inheiritance or give me your son and he            will be wealthy. The dad gives Marius over thinking that is what is best.
       - There relationship is forced unlike Jeans and Cosettes. Also they are related by            blood but treat each other as strangers unlike Jean and Cosette.
3. What do you think of Marius' decision to walk out on his grandfather and refuse the money he is offered every month?
       - It shows that he is his own man.
       - He won't except the money because he wants to cut his grandfather off because         he lied to him his whole life. Also, if he accepted the money then he would owe his       grandfather, and he doesn't want that to happen.
4. How important is family in developing ones character?
        - Very important. You get your character from your family. Your family is what             shapes you into you.
5. Why did Marius' aunt have him followed by his cousin?
       - She had him followed to find out what he was doing. They thought he was                    sleeping around with other women, but he was actually visiting his dad's grave.
6. Why did Marius' dad go to the church on certain days at a certain time? What does this show?
        - He went on certain days at certain times to see his son.
        - This shows that he really loves his son and he wants the best for him. He                      sacraficed his relationship with his son so his son can live a better life.

Completing the Work of the Bishop -Blog # 2- Lauren Caffarelli

Completing the Work of the Bishop

-Blog Post #2-

Topic A

April 24, 2015

By: Lauren Caffarelli

In Les Miserables, Jean Valjean comes full circle by helping others after he is helped by the bishop. "The convent contributed, like Cosette, to confirm and complete, in Jean Valjean, the work of the bishop" (149).  This quote exemplifies the development of Jean Valjean from a convict to a man of integrity.  After allowing Jean Valjean to spend a night in the convent, the bishop makes Jean Valjean promise to "become an honest man" (33).  Jean Valjean recognizes the kindness of the bishop and vows to turn from his evil ways and help others.  

Cosette allows Jean Valjean to have a purpose in life.  He lives to protect her, his "first love" (123).  He is fulfilling his promise of devoting himself to the good of others by saving Cosette from horrid living conditions and by caring for her.

In addition, he has completed the work of the bishop by returning to a convent.  In the novel, convents symbolize an accepting and open haven.  The first time Jean Valjean stays in a convent, the bishop is the only one in the town to offer Jean Valjean food to eat and a place to stay.  He would have been alone in the streets if not for the welcoming attitude of the bishop.  Now, Jean Valjean and Cosette make the convent their safe house.  The convent allows Jean Valjean to return the kindness originally given to him by the bishop and to complete the work of the bishop through gratitude and love.

Jean Valjean and Cosette vs Liesel and Papa~Blog post #2~ Topic H~ April 24, 2015~ By Ali Cepon

Ali Cepon

Ms.Molyneaux

H. English, Per.B

April 24, 2015

Jean Valjean and Cosette vs Liesel and Papa

           

In Victor Hugos's Les Miserables the main character Jean Valjean rescues Fantine's daughter, Cosette, who is living with a family that treats her like a peasant, just like how Hans saves Liesel from her mother in The Book Thief. In the beginning of Les Mis, Fantine puts her daughter's life in the hands of the Thenardieds. They "look upon the little girl as a child which they sheltered for charity, and treated her as such," Cosette "became the servant of the house" (46-47). Jean Valjean knows Fantine, while she is alive, and he promises her that he will rescue her daughter. Even though Fantine passes away, he still keeps his promise. Jean Valjean rescues "Cosette from the clutches of the Thenardiers," and together they make their way to the Old Gorbeau House (118). In the old house Jean Valjean teaches his little Cosette, who "called him Father," how to read and spell (125). They spend everyday together and each day they grow closer and closer. "Something new was entering" Jean Valjean's "soul," love (123). This same relationship occurs in The Book Thief. Liesel's mom sends her to a new house where she will live a better life then she is given, just like Fantine. Instead of being treated poorly by her new parents Liesel is welcomed into her new home with loving arms. She immediately connects with her new Papa, Hans. She begins calling him Papa and treating him like her real Papa. Hans teaches her how to read and write, and soon they begin to love each other. These two relationships show that you don't need to be related by blood in order to really care and love someone.