Social Injustice and Class Struggle in Les Misérables: Analyzing the Plight of the Poor

Social injustice in Les Misérables, class struggle in Les Misérables, poverty in Les Misérables, Hugo’s critique of society

Les Misérables offers a powerful critique of the social inequality and class struggle that plagued 19th-century France. Hugo shines a light on the plight of the poor, examining how their poverty is perpetuated by a society that offers them little hope for social mobility or justice. Through characters like Fantine, Cosette, and Jean Valjean, Hugo explores how class and poverty shape the lives of individuals, often leading them to desperation and suffering.

The Suffering of Fantine: A Symbol of the Working Class

One of the most tragic characters in Les Misérables is Fantine, a working-class woman who is forced to sacrifice everything for her daughter, Cosette. Fantine’s descent from a young woman with hope to a destitute and sickly mother symbolizes the dehumanizing effect of poverty and the lack of opportunity for women in her position. This section will explore how Fantine’s suffering serves as a symbol of the working class’s struggle, and how Hugo critiques the societal structures that trap people like Fantine in a cycle of poverty and misery.

Cosette’s Childhood and the Legacy of Poverty

Cosette, Fantine’s daughter, is another victim of the class system. Raised by the cruel Innkeepers, Thénardier and his wife, Cosette’s life is filled with abuse and neglect because of her poverty. However, once Jean Valjean takes her in, Cosette’s life takes a turn for the better. This section will analyze how Cosette’s upbringing reflects the impact of poverty on children and the legacy of class inequality, even across generations. Through Cosette, Hugo shows how poverty stunts personal growth and limits opportunities for those born into the lower classes.

The Role of Revolution and Social Change

Hugo’s portrayal of the revolutionary spirit in Les Misérables emphasizes the idea that social change is necessary to end the cycle of poverty and injustice. The June Rebellion of 1832, although ultimately unsuccessful, symbolizes the hope and determination of the oppressed classes to demand their rights. Through characters like Enjolras and the students, Hugo presents revolution as both a catalyst for change and a necessary response to social inequality.

Conclusion: A Call for Social Reform in Les Misérables

Through Les Misérables, Hugo critiques a society that dehumanizes the poor and perpetuates social injustice. By telling the stories of Fantine, Cosette, and Jean Valjean, Hugo illustrates how class inequality traps individuals in a cycle of suffering and desperation. The novel is a call for social reform and a reminder of the need for a more equitable society that offers opportunities for all, regardless of class.