Archetypes And Redemption

Archetypes and symbols are often used in writing to help express the theme, mood or atmosphere of a story. Shapes, colors and familiar symbols are used to make scenes more relatable as well as more meaningful. These images are intended to spark emotion within the reader and often times, evoke a spiritual relation. In the novel Les Miserables, Victor Hugo develops the theme of redemption through the use of archetypes and symbolism. Jean Valjean, a former convict, is struggling to redeem himself in the midst of post-revolutionary France. This challenge often causes Valjean confusion when deciding which paths to choose. Hugo acknowledges this when saying, “the moon shone full in Jean Valjean’s bewildered face” (Hugo 203). The archetype of the …show more content…
Water, for example, is symbolic of purification and redemption. Elements such as fire are associated with the ability to transform as well as regeneration. After receiving candlesticks from the bishop, Jean Valjean toys with the idea of burning them to signify the death of his life as a convict. “‘All Jean Valjean is contained in [the candlesticks]. They must be destroyed’...He stirred the embers with one of the candlesticks” (Hugo 94). This fire would allow for the diminishing of Valjean’s past as well as give him the ability to transform into the pure person he is eager to become. Furthermore, the archetype of fire is used in the novel to provide Jean Valjean with the chance to do good for others. “...A great fire had broken out in the townhouse. [Valjean] rushed into the fire, and saved, at the peril of his life, two children…” (Hugo 50-51). This fire allows Valjean to begin his redemption. Moreover, his involvement in this fire is symbolic of his bitter soul learning to care for and love …show more content…
“This garden was oblong, with a row of large poplars at the further end…” (Hugo 199). The garden was described as an “oblong”; rectangular shape, which is symbolic of security and rational. Security and logic are precisely what Valjean has been seeking throughout the novel and the discovery of this garden is the beginning of peace, safety and freedom within his life. The stability found within this garden promoted a calm feeling within Valjean. While sitting in this garden with Cosette, Jean Valjean is described to feel comforted by the moonlight that is cascading over him. The calm that takes over him is derived from the peaceful garden he takes shelter in. In the novel Les Miserables, Victor Hugo uses archetypes and symbolism to develop the theme of redemption. Hugo uses the Earth and it’s elements to make scenes more relatable for readers. Conclusively, the feelings that the elements around us provoke are transferred through a stylistic and enriching