Author(s): Dr. Vivek Chauhan

Abstract: The present study brings into focus the character Jean Valjean as an individual who succumbs to adverse circumstances becoming a criminal in the eyes of law. The study analyses him as an individual who faces hell as a convict and ultimately finds redemption from sin through the benevolent interference of the bishop who buys his soul with silver and gives it to God. Finally, Valjean metamorphoses into a kind and sympathetic individual who serves the poor of society ; and is ultimately raised to the position of Mayor of Montreuil , remembered by the poor as their Messiah.

Keywords: Victor Hugo, Les Misérables, Jean Valjean, Montreuil-sur-mer, Messiah, Bishop.

Article Info: Received: 03 Nov 2020; Received in revised form: 05 Jan 2021; Accepted: 11 Jan 2021; Available online: 20 Jan 2021

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.61.11