Rationalism and Romanticism in Les Miserables
Throughout the 1800’s and later, many different forms of viewing the world came about. These views were often expressed by authors through books, poems, or short stories. Of these authors, Victor Hugo, acquired fame through his writings in 19th century France and his importance remains still worldly recognized today. The author of the widely acclaimed and highly controversial novel, Les Miserables, compares the traits of two well-known literary movements: rationalism and romanticism, through characters that embody them. The story represents a doctrinaire inspector, Javert, who ardently searches for an ex-convict, Jean Valjean who wants nothing more than a second chance. Because the plot analyzes the two literary movements through the contrast of opinion between Javert, who illustrates a rationalist, and Valjean, who plays the romanticist, Hugo’s lucid view of both literary periods becomes discernible throughout the novel.
Primarily, Hugo’s representation of rationalism throughout Les Miserables takes the form of the antagonist, an unyielding inspector named Javert. He consistently upholds traditional values, especially those pertaining to the law. Javert states, “The law is here to protect you from scum.” (Les Miserables, 1999). By this he shows the law conveys a purpose, and he believes that it helps and saves people from criminals and convicts. Additionally, he developed the same opinion as Thomas Hobbes, an enlightenment thinker who believed that ‘all men are naturally evil and imperfect.’ When Javert starts a conversation with the story’s protagonist, Valjean, evidence of his opinion surfaces when Javert strongly asserts, “A wolf may wear sheep's clothing, but it is still a wolf.” (Les Miserables, 1999). He implies that, “Someone who was once a criminal, is always a criminal.” (Les Miserables, 1999). Javert displays two vital qualities of rationalism. He upholds traditional values and believes all men to be evil; therefore, Hugo meant for the inspector to characterize rationalism. Valjean however, displays none of these qualities and represents something entirely opposite.
Valjean’s actions and values indicate that he portrays the romanticist of this story. For example, Valjean exhibits the desire for social change numerous times during the course of the plot. Before he became mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer, he gave his personal money to the factory employees to keep them in work and to keep the economy stable. In addition to this evidence, while he and Cosette live in Paris, Valjean not only feeds the homeless but also provides clothing for them. Again, when he has the opportunity to kill Javert, he states, “I don’t have the right to kill you.” (Les Miserables, 1999) This symbolizes the change in Valjean’s mentality of a criminal to that of a valuable citizen. Furthermore, Valjean reveals another aspect of romanticism by seeing the good in man and refusing to accept human limitations when he proclaims, “In God’s eyes, you are beautiful and innocent.” (Les Miserables, 1999) In this scene, Valjean speaks with Cosette’s mother, a prostitute; by his words, one can distinguish that Valjean refuses to judge her for her actions but rather comforts her as best he can. Instead of blacklisting her as a criminal, Valjean might admire her for wanting to send money to support her daughter so badly; in this way, he looks beyond the crime itself and deeper into the good of man.
Through the final scene of Les Miserables, Hugo opinion of the two literary movements comes to light. Handcuffed and drowning, Javert’s death could not be more fitting. Through this, Hugo points out that the flaw of rationalism tends to be its binding rules. Anyone who agrees with the ideas of rationalism limits and restricts open-mindedness. For example, Javert wants to forgive Valjean for his crime which Javert proves when he exclaims, “It’s a pity the rules don’t allow me to be merciful.” (Les Miserables, 1999) In context, Valjean demonstrates the personality of a new man, moving away from his former criminal self; however, the rules of rationalism refuse to allow Javert to accept this because rationalism recognizes no change. In his last words, Javert’s states “I have tried to live my life without breaking a single rule.” (Les Miserables, 1999) By his own rules, he punishes himself for letting Valjean free and forgiving him by committing suicide.
Hugo uses the story of Les Miserables to deliver his view of rationalism and romanticism to his readers. Since Hugo suggested that rationalism may have flaws, it evolved and the ideas changed. Les Miserables depicts the work of a romanticist writer because the idea of romanticism conquered the story. Through the use of a rationalist character, Javert, and a romanticist character, Valjean, Hugo created a story that not only ensures a good plot and morals but also compares two literary periods while giving his opinion.