Caitlin Cook
Ms. Molyneaux
Honors English- B
24 April 2015
Jean and Cosette's Relationship
In Victor Hugo's, Les Misérables, Jean and Cosette's relationship develops into an unbreakable loving relationship. They both need another in their lives, and while Jean is there for Cosette physically, Cosette is there for him emotionally. They are willing to trust each other because they have saved each other from some of the negative components of their lives. This allows them to help each other and be able to rely on one another for support. They grow to be each others life line and were willing to do anything in order to not lose one another. In fact, Cosette becomes Jeans "first love," which takes a step forward in their relationship (123). The relationship grows to be like a relationship between a father and his daughter. The unconditional love that a father has for his daughter is very much like the love that Jean has for Cosette. He admits that the thought out losing her would be like a "life in death" (134). Therefore, Jean sees himself as a father of Cosette and would do anything to protect her. This allows the relationship between Cosette and Jean to grow and develop.
I strongly agree with Caitlin that Jean Valjean and Cosette need each other. If it weren’t for Jean Valjean then most likely Cosette would still be living with her “adopted” family. This family treats her like their maid that they are getting paid to keep, instead of their “adopted” daughter. Without Jean she would still be there, but instead she is living in a nice convent, going to school, and with the man that she has learned to love as her father. Cosette also helped Jean Valjean. Without her, Jean Valjean could have easily gone back to his old ways of burglary. Instead he becomes an honest man fulfilling a promise. Together Jean Valjean and Cosette saved each other and learn how to depend on and love each other. Their bond is unbreakable, an that is seen many times throughout the novel Les Mis.
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