Key Facts
full title · Les Misérables
author · Victor Hugo
type of work · Novel
genre · Epic novel; historical novel
language · French
time and place written · 1845–1862;
Paris and the Channel Islands (English possessions off the coast
of France)
date of first publication · 1862
publisher · Pagnerre (Paris)
narrator · An anonymous narrator
point of view · The story is told from the perspective of an omniscient
narrator who frequently addresses us. The narrator not only knows
what the characters are thinking at all times but also has a detailed grasp
of contemporary politics and society.
tone · The tone tends to reflect the narrator's empathy with
the char-acters. When describing broader trends in politics and
society, the tone reflects Hugo's outspoken views on social reform.
tense · Past
setting (time) · 1789–1832
setting (place) · France; primarily the cities of Arras, Digne, Montreuil-sur-mer, Montfermeil,
Paris, and Toulon
protagonist · Jean Valjean
major conflict · Valjean struggles to transform himself from a thief
into an honest man; over the years he struggles to stay a step ahead
of the zealous police officer Javert and tries to raise his adopted daughter,
Cosette.
rising action · Valjean's disclosure of his true identity at Champmathieu's
trial; Valjean's rescue of Cosette from the Thénardiers; Marius's
first sight of Cosette in the Luxembourg Gardens.
climax · Marius, Valjean, and Javert's dramatic interactions
at
the barricades
falling action · Marius and Cosette's wedding; Javert's suicide
themes · The importance of love and compassion; social injustice
in nineteenth-century France; the long-term effects of the French Revolution
on French society
motifs · The plight of orphans; disguises and pseudonyms; resurrection
symbols · Myriel's silver candlesticks; snakes, insects, and
birds
foreshadowing · The novel hints that Monsieur Madeleine is in fact
Jean Valjean.
