The main problem in Les Misérables is the pervasive social injustice and class struggle that plagues 19th-century France, driving individuals to desperate measures and societal upheaval.
Understanding the Core Conflict
Victor Hugo's Les Misérables is a profound exploration of human suffering and redemption set against a backdrop of immense societal inequality. At its heart, the novel reveals the devastating impact of poverty, corruption, and an unforgiving legal system on the lives of ordinary people.
The stark division between the privileged "haves" and the downtrodden "have-nots" creates a constant state of tension, culminating in revolutionary fervor. Paris's working class, depicted as a formidable force, is frequently on the verge of rebellion, ready to erect barricades in their struggle for a better life.
Manifestations of Injustice
The problem of social injustice is illustrated through various interconnected themes:
- Poverty and Desperation: Characters like Fantine are driven to prostitution and selling her hair and teeth simply to provide for her child, highlighting the brutal realities faced by those without resources.
- Harsh Legal Systems: Jean Valjean's initial imprisonment for stealing a loaf of bread, and his subsequent lifelong pursuit by Inspector Javert, exemplify a justice system more focused on punishment than rehabilitation or understanding the root causes of crime.
- Political Instability: The novel is set during a period of significant political unrest in France, including the June Rebellion, where the poor and disenfranchised rise up against a government that fails to address their suffering. This revolutionary spirit is a direct consequence of the widespread injustice.
The Divide: Haves vs. Have-Nots
The central conflict is deeply rooted in the inherent disparity between different social strata:
| The Privileged (Haves) | The Oppressed (Have-Nots) |
|---|---|
| Hold power, wealth, and status | Struggle for basic necessities |
| Benefit from the existing order | Suffer under systemic inequality |
| Enforce strict, often unfair, laws | Often trapped in cycles of crime and poverty |
| Live in comfort and security | Face exploitation and desperation |
| Represent the established authority | Driven to rebellion and revolutionary action |
This class conflict is not just a backdrop but an active force shaping every character's destiny and the narrative's tragic and hopeful turns. For more on the novel's themes, explore detailed analyses of Les Misérables.
Ultimately, the problem in Les Misérables is the systemic failure of society to provide compassion and justice for all its members, leading to profound individual suffering and explosive collective action.
