After Reading Les Misérables         普一2 22號  邱千華

Les Misérables is a very famous novel in the world. And its background was in The French Revolution. The name of prisoner is Jean Valjean, who spent 19 years in prison, because he stole a loaf of bread to feed his sister's seven hungry children, so he lost the best years of his life. When he left prison, a nice bishop gave him a place to rest. But when he woke up, he found some valuable precious silverware and took it away. The next morning, Jean Valjean was caught by the policemen to the bishop's home, but the bishop didn't expose him; instead, he gave him extra valuable candlesticks. This action made Jean Valjean very ashamed. In 1818, in a small village, there was a woman Fantine, who had to work, so she gave her daughter in the care of others. Fantine worked in Jean Valjean's factory. At this time, Jean Valjean was a mayor, and because Fantine attacked a man on the street, Javert decided to send her to prison. Later, thanks to the mayor, she didn't need to. Fantine died of a serious illness and the mayor promised that he would protect Cosette. Afterward, Jean Valjean's identity as a criminal was found. In order to protect Cosette, he could only run to the church. One day, when Marius saw Cosette, he couldn't forget her, so they often met privately. In the spring of 1832, a revolution took place in Paris, Jean Valjean also joined it, and this time many young men died, and Marius got injured so seriously. Jean Valjean realized he had to save him for Cosette's happiness, Before long, they got married, and Marius knew Jean Valjean saved his life, They went to find Jean Valjean, but this time Jean Valjean became was very weak. They spent the last moments by him and in the light of

the two candlesticks, they could see a peaceful smile on his face.

The story shows the French society that of time. Many people were struggling for life, It would be difficult to imagine how hard the life would be by stealing some bread, But there was still a bright side of humanity. People were willing to give a hand to people in need. Even in the darkest time there was still something worth hoping for. I think Jean Valjean was very brave. Although he did something wrong, he helped more people with his own efforts. Jean Valjeanˈs actions were worth our respect. In a period of lacking humanity, there

was still someone willing to help other people, which was very significant.