Jean
Valjean’s Change of Heart
-Blog
post #1-
Topic
B
April
17, 2015
By:
Lauren Caffarelli
Recently
released from prison after 19 years, Jean Valjean’s soul and entire being are
hardened. He enters jail “shuddering and
sobbing” and “went out sullen” (25). Jean
Valjean is in prison for 19 years and endures many hardships. Prison changes him into a man who is in a
state of despair. He no longer wants to
help others; however, Jean Valjean has a change of heart when he no longer views
himself as the victim
After
being released from prison, many people turn Jean Valjean away because he is a
convict. He starts to internalize the
awful rumors people are spreading about him.
Although he was only sentenced for stealing one loaf of bread, no one
trusts him. He doesn't even trust
himself. Jean Valjean accepts that he has
done awful things and believes no one should help him.
Jean
Valjean has not seen kindness in so long that he forgets what it looks
like. He is shocked that the bishop
would even consider helping a convict like him.
With the bishop’s help, John Valjean is able to turn his life
around. He realizes the importance of helping
others. Jean Valjean understands that he
is not a victim any more, and he can start over. This experience allows him to understand that
his actions matter.
Jean
Valjean begins a new prosperous life as Monsieur Madeleine. He is kind and compassionate. He puts the needs of others before his
own. His somber past allows him to
change for the better.
I agree with your claim and I liked how you said that he does not even trust himself. I think that really shows us that Jean first needs to accept himself before he can become an honest man. It is clear that Jean's intentions are good because his attitude completely changes. I think when you pointed out how Jean realizes he is not the victim that is a major turning point in his transformation both physically and emotionally. It is important to know that he spends his "new" life being the good and honest person he so badly wants to be.
ReplyDeleteI would give you a 24/25. Overall your blog was very well written and you used good mechanics and formating. You found relevent evidence and used that in your analysis. The only thing that I would suggest is that I think you could have used more quotes to back up your analysis. Even though you are only required to have one quote, sometimes more quotes help support and prove your thesis.
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