You are right.
However, it is also true that France was subjected to a strenuous attempt at counter-revolution and suppression of democratic tendencies, particularly to 1830, but also to 1848.
The most dramatic incidents of the book and movie revolve around the June Rebellion of 1832, which was arguably the last gasp of the French Revolution in its more or less original form.
By 1848 the revolutionaries were notably changed in character and motivation and were much more socialist, in the more or less modern sense of the term. In fact, the word “socialism” was coined in 1832, shortly before the June Rebellion.
There are various levels of morality in Les Miz. First, Jean Valjean attempted to steal the loaf of bread not for himself, but for his sister’s son who was starving. So was his act one of compassion or did it fit the socialist model of redistribution?
Second,when he was given his yellow ticket of leave, he tried to work, but was rebuffed by the farmer who turned him away with less pay than the other workers because he was a “thief” and shouldn’t get the same pay as “honest men like me.” So is he now a victim?
The Bishop takes pity on him, feeds him, puts him up for the night and then when Valjean steals the silver, sends away the police and gives Valjean the silver saying he has “bought your soul for God.” This act of kindness is what changes Valjean. He breaks his parole to start a new life.
It is this act which is his redemption. He has many opportunities to be selfish, but always makes the right amd moral choice.
The story is one of redmeption and love. It doesnt matter if it is the stage version, the concert, or the new movie. I don’t see how anyone cannot find the storyline uplifting.
I’ve seen the play, the 10th and 25th Anniversary Concerts, numerous regional productions,and the movie. I haven’t left any of them without having wiped away a tear. It is a powerful story about one man’s journey to forgiveness.
There are various levels of morality in Les Miz. First, Jean Valjean attempted to steal the loaf of bread not for himself, but for his sister’s son who was starving. So was his act one of compassion or did it fit the socialist model of redistribution?
Second,when he was given his yellow ticket of leave, he tried to work, but was rebuffed by the farmer who turned him away with less pay than the other workers because he was a “thief” and shouldn’t get the same pay as “honest men like me.” So is he now a victim?
The Bishop takes pity on him, feeds him, puts him up for the night and then when Valjean steals the silver, sends away the police and gives Valjean the silver saying he has “bought your soul for God.” This act of kindness is what changes Valjean. He breaks his parole to start a new life.
It is this act which is his redemption. He has many opportunities to be selfish, but always makes the right amd moral choice.
The story is one of redmeption and love. It doesnt matter if it is the stage version, the concert, or the new movie. I don’t see how anyone cannot find the storyline uplifting.
I’ve seen the play, the 10th and 25th Anniversary Concerts, numerous regional productions,and the movie. I haven’t left any of them without having wiped away a tear. It is a powerful story about one man’s journey to forgiveness.