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.