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.
I agree and I think that your connection between Liesel and Papa and Cosette and Jean is very insightful. Since Papa and Jean both took on the fatherly role of children who were not their own. I like how you pointed out that Papa and Jean helped teach both Cosette and Liesel. In both stories, the father daughter relationship grows so strong they need each other to live. Also, in both stories, it made a big deal when the daughter first called Jean or Papa "father." I like how you made a connection to a book we have previously read.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with your connection between Cosette and Jeans relationship and Leisel and Papa’s. The connection you made about the reading is very good as well. By Jean teaching Cosette to read it strengthens their relationship just like it strengthened the relationship between Leisel and Papa. This allowed the girls to see these men as their fathers and trust them for protection. Therefore, the fact you brought up about how you do not have to be related by blood to be able to love someone is true because these pairs of people grew to love each other just like any other father daughter relationship.
ReplyDeleteNice connection, Ali!
ReplyDeleteNice connection, Ali!
ReplyDelete