Valjean's Transformation

The struggle between good and evil is a powerful theme in the book. The most prominent example of this is Valjean's battle to transform from an immoral, miserable convict to a truly good man. The candlesticks are a very powerful symbol of love, that drives Valjean through his transformation.

Misery is represented at the very beginning of the book, with the imagery of the protagonist and his interactions and dialogue with other characters. He has just gotten out of prison and is looking for somewhere to sleep and something to eat. Imagery is a very powerful technique used by Hugo to first describe Valjean. He is “worn and shabby,” wearing an “old ragged gray blouse patched on one side”...”his stockingless feet were in hobnailed shoes.” He has gone a long distance, in the “heat” and “dust” simply to find somewhere to rest. He is rejected from many places, innkeepers often telling him “go away” and “when I saw you enter, I suspected something.” This dialogue first introduces Valjean with a negative tone, as a mess, a convict, a truly evil person. …show more content…
The candlesticks are a symbol, a burden of a promise to “use this silver to become an honest man.” Hugo uses the narrative technique of dialogue to provide the reader with background information and to show Valjean’s motivation. The candlesticks re-occur as the novel progresses, becoming a symbol, as they are always associated with love, hope, and goodness of heart. The candlesticks serve as a reminder of the misery in Valjean’s