I’m currently reading Hugo’s Les Miserables at no pace (very very slowly). This character who is introduced as a rough, dirty, scraggly, prisoner, is later given back story that reveals a rough upbringing having to take care of his sister and all of her children. At some point he falls out of work at no fault of his own and finds himself stealing bread, gets caught and ends up in prison. I am most drawn to the story because what Hugo builds as a ruffian is broken down through narrative to a simple man who tries.
How many people do i see and observe certain specific characteristics that rob them of a chance. One wise person told me “stereotypes exist because people act in patterns of predictive behavior.” It makes me wonder if efficient thinking is good. When do “people” become “persons” with stories that matter? The difference between “society” and “neighbor.”
Is everyone trying in this life? Is what sets us apart simply narrative?
- The Farmer
I’d say not everyone is trying, and not everyone who is trying is trying in the same way. I suppose you could argue that someone who thinks that good things happen to people who don’t try is “trying” to cause good things to happen, but that’s inherently contradictory.
I look at Jean Valjean’s story as more about how life is not automatically fair. Fairness is the product of many things working (the economy, the judicial system, etc.) and the right decisions being made by many other people.
Comments (5)
I didn’t read the book, but I enjoyed the movie.
ryc: I guess you’re right. Through circumstances of life, I just felt like I was drowning….when all I have to do is stand up and the water will be at my knees.
I have become cynical when it comes to fairness.
I’ve heard of that story, but I never bothered to read it. Is it good?
The thing is, I made my mind up with New York, but my parents refuse. I’m guessing they rather save money by not continuing my education than give me a future *sad face*.
FML
-Kunoichi
@northernskylights -
@KrazeeKunoichi009 -
I agree that the story’s about fairness. Les Miserables is hard to read, it’s Victor Hugo’s political ideas with a thin caramel-like vein of story mixed in to keep you reading. I prefer the play.