Hugo's Impressions

In Book VII Despair from the Inside of Las Miserables, Hugo describes the emotions of Jean Valjean has while in prison. This allows Hugo to use these “emotions” (Puchner et al. 896; 1) as a theme for the book. As the book goes on the reader sees varying emotions from Valjean; however, they mostly revolve around hate. Hugo writes, “… he passed judgment on society and he condemned it. He condemned it to his hate” (1123; 4-5): Valjean is thinking about the injustices done to those who should have pity taken on them. Because these thoughts Valjean realizes that “he passed judgment on society” (Hugo 1123; 1), because his feelings clouded his thoughts. Valjean also deals with his emotions that connect to his self-identity. Hugo states, “He
The most prominent theme of this work is “nature” (Puchner et al. 896:1). Shelley writes, “The sea-bloomers and oozy woods which wear/ The sapless foliage of the ocean, know” (974:39-40. Shelley uses nature as a less scary way to talk about being dragged under. Shelley also touches on the nature theme when he says, “Oh! Lift me as a wave, a lead, a cloud!” (975; 53): by stating this Shelley is praying to escape the weight of death. The theme of “revolution” (Puchner et al. 896; 1) is also in the writing; however this “revolution” is a rotation in life instead of a political uprising. Through his use of the seasons, “Autumn” (973; 1), “Spring” (973: 9), “Summer” (974: 29), and “Winter” (975; 70), Shelley shows a parallel between the revolution of a year and the revolution of the human life. Shelley ends his work by stating, “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?” (975; 70): this reminds the reader that even though life will soon end the rebirth is soon to follow. I think that through the use of nature as a theme allows the work to be lighter and less morbid. I also think through revolution the reader is reminded that although winter is coming to all of us great things will follow shortly thereafter. Without these themes, the work would be morbid and