Les Misérables | Themes
The most important theme the novel examines is that of transformation, in the 240 Les Miserables individual and in society. Jean Valjean, the chief protagonist, is transformed from a misanthropic and potentially violent ex-convict to a man capable of heroic love and self-sacrifice. The force that transforms him is love. The Bishop of Digne offers Valjean unconditional love, trusting the former criminal with his life and giving him all he can. Valjean finds inspiration for an entirely new life from this example. He learns to put another person first when he raises Cosette as his own...
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