In Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables, the Labyrinth Theory can be identified and used to develop a greater understanding of the novel and the main character, Jean Valjean. First, the Labyrinth Theory manifests itself in the form of physical obstacles. In addition, psychological challenges arise as the story progresses. Finally, the Labyrinth Theory can be used to describe the social structure of France at the time the novel was written. After reading Les Misérables and understanding its messages regarding the Labyrinth Theory, one will be able to apply those lessons to their own life in modern times. The Labyrinth Theory presents itself in the form of physical obstacles, by including literal prisons and walls of which Jean Valjean is required to
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At this time in France, one was born into a class and stayed there for their whole life, or so to say, the rich stayed rich and the poor stayed poor. Jean Valjean was born into the poor class and was named a criminal by society when he stole the bread. This title would have stuck if he did not create his other identities. As Daedalus built the labyrinth in the Labyrinth Theory and passed his problem to Icarus, his offspring, the social class structure of France was passed to Jean Valjean through tradition. Valjean found no happiness when he was poor or extremely rich. The only way Valjean was able to escape the social class labyrinth and find true joy is when he was a middle class citizen at the end of the book. This is similar to the Labyrinth Theory because Daedalus warned Icarus to fly in the middle ground, not too high or too low (“Daedalus”). Icarus did not listen to this and flew too high, similar to when Valjean became rich as Monsieur Madeleine. At the end of the book, Valjean died as did Icarus in the myth. However, while Icarus’s death was a symbol of youth and ignorance, Valjean’s death symbolized the death of France’s class system. Hugo was portraying true happiness comes for all people when equality of social and economic classes is reached. This can be used as a lesson in modern …show more content…
No matter which problem is faced and no matter how many choices, one can read Les Misérables and realize the only true way to overcome a problem is to look deep inside themselves and find their true identity, just as Jean Valjean did in the story. In present times, society creates a plethora of issues that can make one feel stuck, almost as if they are in a labyrinth. Political disagreements, social pressures, financial issues, and many others are issues that apply. When studying the issues, one may feel unsure of which way to turn due to the numerous ideologies and beliefs of those fighting for their side of the disagreement. However, as the Revolutionaries in the novel had different ideas about the future of France, all need to agree upon a common idea they share and fight for the equality of all. Until each person is able to overcome their labyrinth, the labyrinth of society will remain unsolved as well. To reach this height of togetherness as a society, understanding of others and their ideas needs to occur. Embracing all differences, whether physical or mental, will help solve all labyrinths, both personal and
At this time in France, one was born into a class and stayed there for their whole life, or so to say, the rich stayed rich and the poor stayed poor. Jean Valjean was born into the poor class and was named a criminal by society when he stole the bread. This title would have stuck if he did not create his other identities. As Daedalus built the labyrinth in the Labyrinth Theory and passed his problem to Icarus, his offspring, the social class structure of France was passed to Jean Valjean through tradition. Valjean found no happiness when he was poor or extremely rich. The only way Valjean was able to escape the social class labyrinth and find true joy is when he was a middle class citizen at the end of the book. This is similar to the Labyrinth Theory because Daedalus warned Icarus to fly in the middle ground, not too high or too low (“Daedalus”). Icarus did not listen to this and flew too high, similar to when Valjean became rich as Monsieur Madeleine. At the end of the book, Valjean died as did Icarus in the myth. However, while Icarus’s death was a symbol of youth and ignorance, Valjean’s death symbolized the death of France’s class system. Hugo was portraying true happiness comes for all people when equality of social and economic classes is reached. This can be used as a lesson in modern …show more content…
No matter which problem is faced and no matter how many choices, one can read Les Misérables and realize the only true way to overcome a problem is to look deep inside themselves and find their true identity, just as Jean Valjean did in the story. In present times, society creates a plethora of issues that can make one feel stuck, almost as if they are in a labyrinth. Political disagreements, social pressures, financial issues, and many others are issues that apply. When studying the issues, one may feel unsure of which way to turn due to the numerous ideologies and beliefs of those fighting for their side of the disagreement. However, as the Revolutionaries in the novel had different ideas about the future of France, all need to agree upon a common idea they share and fight for the equality of all. Until each person is able to overcome their labyrinth, the labyrinth of society will remain unsolved as well. To reach this height of togetherness as a society, understanding of others and their ideas needs to occur. Embracing all differences, whether physical or mental, will help solve all labyrinths, both personal and