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Forum Post: Occupy Les Miserables

Posted 13 years ago on Nov. 8, 2011, 7:31 p.m. EST by PartyX (202)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

Liam Neeson, who played the role of Jean Valjean, gave a powerful performance in the movie adaption of “Les Miserables”. The movie begins with Jean Valijean asleep on a bench and is awaken by a stranger on the street. The stranger said, “The home with the light on, they may feed and provide a place to sleep”. Without hesitation Valijean knocked on the door, and told the Bishop of his circumstances. Furthermore, the Bishop who answered the door allowed the admitted convict Valijean to spend the night; because, of the events that transpired on this brief encounter, and forever changed Jean Valijean’s life for several reasons. Likewise, the Bishop proves it is never right to steal.

To begin with, Jean Valijean was forthright in telling the Bishop of his nineteen-year prison sentence concerning a stolen loaf of bread. Although, subjective as it may be to condemn a man for stealing, the Bishop did not judge Jean Valijean. However, Valijean knew that stealing was wrong because he spent nineteen years in prison for a crime that did not deserve such a harsh sentence if one believes in the principal of proportionality. Clearly, it is wrong to steal, but Bishop Myriel possibly knew something more profound about Valijean. However, if one considers the Bishops years of service to the church and empathy for Valijean’s past, one may sense forgiveness. Furthermore, Valijean states he will be a new man in the morning and all he needs is a good nights sleep and that maybe enough for the Bishop to know Valijean has the desire to make the effort to pursue a new life.

The following morning, Jean Valijean was brought back to Bishop Myriel’s house by the magistrates with a bag of silver that belongs to the Bishop. Upon arrival, the magistrates ask if the Bishop knew this man and if he gave the silver to Valijean? Furthermore, the Bishop replies to Valijean “did you forget the candle operas?” To Valijean’s surprise this was a life-changing question; also, when the Bishop reminds Valijean of his promise to be a new man in the morning. Visibly, this scene in the movie appears as a teachable moment for Jean Valijean, whether it was right or wrong to steal is now the beginning of a new life for Mr. Valijean. Moreover, the look in Valijean’s eyes was one of surrender and the Bishop seems to have the upper hand in this moral dilemma. Certainly, what took place was psychological reciprocity; indeed, a very positive reaction for both the Bishop Myriel and Jean Valijean took place and it is hard to quantify when stealing is permissible under any circumstance. Thus, it makes one wonder if Jean Valijean would have been given the same chance nineteen years ago would he have been a better man?

Without a doubt, a hardened convict by the name of Jean Valijean was given the gift of freedom by Bishop Myriel; thus, illustrates the respect honesty deserves. Furthermore, little did Valijean know he would be a changed man the next day, as if it were mere lip service to the Bishop by Valijean’s omission of being a changed man? Certainly, the Bishop saw a spark in Valijean that most men may never see in a man who admits he is a thief, as well as who does not think capable of another life. Personal relativism crosses ones mind when it comes down to what one might do to fend off starvation. Surely, the Bishop knew this, yet he cursed Jean Valijean to be a better man in this exchange of reciprocity. Moreover, this exchange rarely happens among strangers who betray the trust of a good deed. Likewise, a teleologist may agree that these are the best circumstances for Jean Valijean.

15 Comments

15 Comments


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[-] 2 points by ramous (765) from Wabash, IN 13 years ago

pays to read the book as the author wrote it, rather than watch the Hollywood movie, too. More of the revolution and the causes for the revolution come through the original work.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 13 years ago

OK ramous

Who am i - Les Miserables

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPIos2mXbUE

[-] 1 points by PartyX (202) 13 years ago

I did not read the book; however, it has relevance.

[-] 1 points by brightonsage (4494) 13 years ago

Do you hear the people sing?

Singing a song of angry men?

It is the music of a people

Who will not be slaves again!

When the beating of your heart

Echoes the beating of the drums

There is a life about to start

When tomorrow comes!

[-] 1 points by PartyX (202) 13 years ago

nice, are these your words?

[-] 1 points by brightonsage (4494) 13 years ago

Sadly, no. They are from the the musical Les Miserables. The music was composed by Schönberg, and the lyrics were written by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, with an English-language libretto by Herbert Kretzmer.

I posted them on the Art page of occupyr.org, as well. I thought they fit our situation.

[-] 1 points by PartyX (202) 13 years ago

interestingly, the people protest before the french revolution. I have heard that the volcano eruption 6 years before disrupted the growing of crops. Although, the fact France loaned the US so much money is what crippled their economy...along with a King being so detached from the common man. Sounds familiar

[-] 1 points by TechJunkie (3029) from Miami Beach, FL 13 years ago

Hahahaha

[-] 0 points by Thrasymaque (-2138) 13 years ago

Take the time to separate your text into paragraphs, and I will take the time to read it. Let's work as a team.

[-] 1 points by PartyX (202) 13 years ago

my pleasure

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 13 years ago

Good insight into what I thought was a pretty good movie. I think you meant 'candelabras' though, didn't you?

[-] 1 points by PartyX (202) 13 years ago

the silver that hold candle...lol

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 13 years ago

Sorry about that. I'm usually not so petty as to correct peoples' spelling. I wonder what a candle opera would look like tho. ;-)

[-] 1 points by PartyX (202) 13 years ago

I spelled it like it sounds. I have never owned any silver.

[-] 0 points by Thrasymaque (-2138) 13 years ago

Nice teamwork! I'm sipping coffee and reading now.