Les Miserables

On Sunday March 6, 2011 I watched the 25th Anniversary TV production of the “Les Miserables”. The commentators said that in addition to the wonderful music it was the poignant story-line that made the show really special. The plot covered topics to which everyone could relate and sympathize with: redemption, love, hope and freedom. More about this later but first I think it’s important to clarify the historical relevance. Many viewers seem to think that the ‘uprising’ is somehow connected to the French Revolution.

The French Revolution spanned the 10 year period.1789-1799.
Napoleon lived from 1769-1821 and was exiled to St. Helena in 1815.
Victor Hugo’s novel “Les Miserables” depicted the years 1815-1832.

It is clear that neither the French Revolution nor Napoleon are factors relevant to Hugo’s novel.
The question then becomes what was all that talk of freedom and a popular uprising as described in Victor Hugo’s book and the musical version.
The uprising in “Les Miserables” was that of June 5-6, 1832. It was an anti-monarchist movement that was to some extent mitigated by crop failures, food shortages and an increase in the cost of living. It was quickly put down and amounted to very little.
This brings us back to the positive message that the musical is purported to convey. The protagonist, Jean Valjean evolves into a repentant man on the wrong side of the law, but the right side of social virtues. Conversely Inspector Javert is on the right side of the law, but the wrong side of humanity.
But what about some of the other characters who are tangental to the main plot?
First we have the corrupt innkeeper and his wife. They extort money from Fantine, mistreat and abuse Cosette and gain financially when they turn her over to Jean Valjean. They are associated with an infamous criminal gang and yet at the end of the musical they are given a large sum of money by Marius, are consorting with the elite and doing quite well. What is the message to be derived here? Crime pays?
Next we have the entire group of young idealist students passionately devoted to democracy, equality and justice. Their efforts came to naught and their lives were snuffed out after accomplishing nothing. What is the message here? Opposing injustice is futile?
And what are we to make of Fantine? A good woman, a devoted mother who becomes a prostitute and dies prematurely in a hospital. Again what are we to learn from this? No good deed goes unpunished?
And what are we to make of Inspector Javert? He is not an evil man; misguided perhaps, but well-intentioned. He felt that he was doing the right thing but there is no redemption for him. He sees suicide as his only way out. Not exactly an uplifting message for those who try to follow the law and obey the rules.
Yes, I love the musical but I am somewhat bemused by how differently others interpret the messages therein.