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.
I like the connection you made between Jean, Cosette, and Marius. The motif of orphans is often shown in the novel helps develops the different characters. It is also true that these orphans grow up differently. The fact that you made about how Cosette and Jean can lean on each other while Marius is on his own is very interesting to me. I agree with this statement. The characters all have to find strength in their own way, and although they all go through inner struggles of trust and love Marius is left completely alone. His whole life he has been lied to and eventually learned the truth. These lies however, shaped his character and he learned to survive off of what he had and to be grateful for it.
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