foremost reflection, secondly jibba-jabba
Tomorrow is my last day of summer work. ::pause:: Already?
I will be spending this weekend with my sister and brother-in-law so expect the last two Les Mis editorials, per se, to be delayed a bit (I know this was all supposed to be a one-a-day, but grant me this kindness, please?). Yet, I do promise them to be good, or swell…maybe…gnarly. For what it’s worth.
Let me remind you, these analyses include spoilers.
Part #3
During my eight hours of labor today I pondered the application of several of Hugo’s accusations against society. Over the course of the entire novel, Valjean attempts to rid himself of the stigmas associated with his past life. Even a mere theft of bread caused him a lifetime of concealment and seclusion (particularly because he was being chased, but nevertheless).
It’s further ironic how Marius reacts to hearing Valjean’s confession; here is a young man who fervently supports le republique and harks about the equality of man yet he is stricken in morose shock once Valjean reveals his past identity, shaken enough to cast the old man away from his daughter. How is our current society any different? Letourneau serves seven plus years in prison and is disturbingly condemned and slandered on the day of her release. Every day, inmates find paths to personal reconstruction and rehabilitation while their accusers recount each detail of their crime. It is quite impossible for many people to restore their reputation within society after “a run-in with the law.” Naturally, there is a limit to which one can trust a convicted felon, but forgiveness and compassion can heal much faster than restrained malice.
Such are the social stereotypes of our times. The neglect to these imbalances is accepted as natural and commonplace.
Don’t confuse this critique as political propaganda, but esteem it as my confession to cultural faults even I cannot refuse the blame for. Politically correct rehabilitation is far from adequate. I believe it takes a divine empowerment to restore people from liability, a power often viewed as distant to our reach.
This is clearly just one example within Les Mis of the defective social order that we maintain. Just one hint, one glance, one trace of the greater flaw.