Summary:
In the novel Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo, Jean Valjean plays the role of the perfect hero. Valjean is portrayed as almost a saintly figure. His actions throughout the story demonstrate how he is an idealistic hero.
Nowadays, heroes are hard to be found. Every now and again, the heroic side of a person may appear, but they then return to hibernation. What would an ideal hero be like? In the novel Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo, Jean Valjean plays the role of the perfect hero. Valjean is portrayed as almost a saintly figure. His actions throughout the story demonstrate how he is an idealistic hero.
While assuming the identity of Monsieur Madeleine, Valjean found himself stuck in the middle of a moral conflict. A man named Fauchelevent got into an accident with his horse and cart. He found himself trapped under the cart surrounded by many spectators, but only one brave enough to save him. Jean Valjean knew that there was no time to waste.
There was only one problem and that was Javert. He became incredibly suspicious of Mayor Madeleine because of his immense strength. Jean did not let this threat affect his decision. He lifted the cart off of Fauchelevent. What makes his actions here so significant is that Fauchelevent despised Mayor Madeleine and he was aware of that. Hardly any would sacrifice their own freedom to save the life of a man, a man who hated them especially. Only an immaculate person would respond as Valjean did.
In addition to saving the needy, Jean made an incredible impact on the town of Montreuil-sur-mer. People came from all over to consult him. Monsieur Madeleine, as he was known, settled differences, reconciled enemies, and prevented lawsuits. With the money he inherited from the bishop, he contributed to charity. He also innovated a manufacturing process that brought the town to prosperity. Jean's hard work and devotion transformed the rundown town of Montreuil-sur-mer into a booming manufacturing center.
During another event in the story, Jean made a saintly decision. He promised Fantine, prior to her death, that he would get her child, Cosette, from the Thenardiers. Her only wish was to see her daughter once more before she passed on, but a surprise visit from Javert sent her into shock. She died before getting the chance to see Cosette.
At this point, Jean could have gone on his way, but he decided to retrieve Cosette nonetheless. He escaped from prison just to find Cosette. When he finally met her, he discovered that she had been living like a slave and rescued her from the Thenardier's evil grasp. He didn't abandon her being that she was not his child, but instead took on the responsibility of caring for her. Valjean had a heart of gold.
It is evident that Jean Valjean is an ideal hero. He, on several occasions, made instinctive sacrifices which others would often hesitate. Jean improved the lives of many with his innovative thinking and generosity. His giving personality is that of a divine being - too remarkable for reality.
This is the complete article, containing 469 words
(approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page).
