Questions / Discussion Ideas

• What is Hugo's view of human nature? Is it naturally good, flawed by original sin, or somewhere between the two
• Describe how Hugo uses his characters to describe his view of human nature. How does each character represent another facet of Hugo's view?
• Discuss Hugo's undying belief that man can become perfect. How does Jean Valjean's life illustrate this belief?
• In the end, what does Jean Valjean prove with his life?
• Javert is a watchdog of the legal process. He applies the letter of the law to every lawbreaker, without exception. Should he have applied other standards to a man like Jean Valjean?
• Today, many believe, like Javert, that no mercy should be shown to criminals. Do you agree with this? Why?
• What does Javert say about his past that is a clue to his nature?
• What finally destroys Javert? Hugo says he is "an owl forced to gaze with an eagle." What does this mean?
• Discuss the Thenardiers as individuals living in a savage society who have lost their humanity and become brutes. Are there people in our society who fit this description
• Compare Marius as a romantic hero with the romantic heroes of other books, plays or poems of the romantic period.
• What would Eponine's life have been like if she had not been killed at the barricade?
• Although they are only on stage a brief time, both Fantine and Gavroche have vital roles to play in Les Misérables and a deep impact on the audience. What makes them such powerful characters? What do they have in common? Name some other characters from literature that appear for a short time, but have a lasting impact.