I recently took my girlfriend to see the highly-acclaimed film rendition of the popular Broadway musical, "Les Miserables," based on the excellent story by Victor Hugo. I enjoyed the music, as well as the cinematography and acting. But I must say that my favorite aspect of the entire movie was Hugh Jackman's portrayal of the hero, Jean Valjean. I noticed that I was not alone in my admiration of Valjean, as the social hemisphere appropriate for cinematographic discussion we know as Facebook has recently been littered with young mens' comments admiring Valjean and expressing their desire to become like him. I began to wonder why this was, and while praying about it, found some answers.
The character is very much so a father-figure throughout the story, as he tries to rescue Fantine from her life of misery on the streets of Paris, then later cares for Cosette, her child, after her death. But perhaps the most incredible example of Valjean's fatherly nature is when he rescues Marius, the young revolutionary who faces certain death at the battle of the barricades on the Rue Plumet as well as the man who holds Cosette's heart. Valjean prays for Marius to be brought safely home, and the song "Bring Him Home" perfectly exemplifies Valjean's greatest character strength. He is a valiant man who knows his strength lies in God, and it is through Him, with Him, and in Him that he finds the strength to do these deeds for His greater glory.
In this day and age, we can find a great role model in Valjean. The musical adaptation of "Les Miserables" deals with themes of faith, prostitution, and the dignity of life. Let us examine the prevalence of these themes in our own modern society and examine how Jean Valjean might have dealt with these issues.
One of Valjean's greatest tests comes when he is given shelter in a monastery after having been refused work or shelter anywhere else. Yet despite the kindness shown to him by the monsignor, Valjean steals his silver to provide for him. But when he is caught by the police and returned to the monastery, threatened with another nineteen years of slavery, the monsignor says that the silver was given to Valjean, and even gives him the last of the silver candlesticks, telling Valjean that the silver must be used for the greater glory of God. This act touches Valjean so much that he vows to live out the rest of his life fulfilling this goal. He becomes a changed man, prayerful and merciful, reflecting the charity shown him by the monsignor.
How much does this world need such kindness and mercy? And not just any kindness and mercy; but kindness and mercy based in charity. True charity founded in God's love.
When Valjean moves and becomes the mayor of a prominent city, as well as the owner of a textile industry, he fails to prevent the unemployment of Fantine, a young woman and a single mother who needs the job to support her daughter. Yet when her illegitimate child is discovered, she is fired by the foreman, and holds a grudge against Valjean for not coming to her aid. She then turns sells her body, both by selling her hair and two front teeth and becoming a prostitute. Yet when she is nearly arrested for striking a man who sought to use her, Valjean comes to her rescue, carrying her to a hospital as she is dying from malnutrition. Although Fantine does lose her life, it is only after having learned that Valjean has promised to care for her daughter and raise her well, giving Fantine a final joy in life before her death.
Mercedes-Benz recently announced a commercial to air during the Super Bowl. It will feature Kate Upton, a well-known supermodel. I have personally found myself very called to pray for Miss Upton, who is only 20 years old and, I believe, objectified as nothing more than a beautiful body. How many men know where she has been featured or how to find images or videos that allow them with the opportunity to objectify her? How many men know her favorite color, her favorite food, a movie that moves her, or a story she loves? How many men have looked at her body countless times but don't know her eye color? I believe this form of objectifying women to be very sad. Men are paying for her, buying her, her body, her sexuality, her soul, and using it for their own personal gain. To me, that is the definition of prostitution. Know that my words do not reflect my feelings for Miss Upton; I believe that she is a good woman who deserves love and respect, and I speak in defense of her. I wish her the best and I pray for her often. I believe Jean Valjean would do the same.
On numerous occasions, Jean Valjean is faced with the opportunity to take a life or allow a man to die. When no one goes to the aid of a man named Fauchelevent, who is trapped under a broken cart and left to die, Valjean rescues him even though he knows he is risking the discovery of his identity at the hands of Inspector Javert, the man who tortured him years ago as his guard while filling out his sentence. Again, Valjean rescues Fantine from her life of misery and attempts to heal her. Valjean rescues Marius when he is shot and wounded, risking his own life to save the life of this man for no other reason than that his adopted daughter loves him. Yet Valjean's truest act of mercy comes when Inspector Javert is kidnapped by rebels and held as prisoner. Valjean is given Javert to execute, but instead of killing him, Valjean spares his life. Valjean knows that there is dignity in all life, and he respects that life.
In English class today, students laughed with disbelief as our professor explained that it was common practice in 17th Century to kill misshapen babies by drowning them, this practice being based off the belief that the children were demonic changelings. Several of the students said that was ridiculous, and laughed at the ignorance of man four centuries ago. Yet today, we kill babies no matter the cause, which is, for some reason, is not considered as unspeakable an act as the practices of 17th Century Europe. We justify this violence on the "philosophy" of "choice," and state that it allows "reproductive freedom" for women, when it, in fact, enslaves them to men, giving man the freedom to have sex whenever he wants without having to be responsible for the repercussions that may follow. Women become nothing more than bodies that can be used for the pleasure of men and then ravaged as a living child is murdered within those very same bodies. As we approach the 40th Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, the Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion and has since been the cause of over 55,000,000 abortions, we should remember the honor and dignity that is due to all human life and take the model example of Jean Valjean to heart.
Stories are never simply stories. Movies are never simply movies. Men are never simply men. The actions of Jean Valjean in Victor Hugo's legendary, "Les Miserables," are not coincidental. Hugo is writing to men across the world, inspiring them to have mercy on "The Victims" (a common translation of the French term, les miserables) of mankind and to treat them with true charity, just as Jean Valjean would do.
Now I am going to attempt to imitate the aforementioned Mr. Jackman by singing, "Bring Him Home," at the top of my lungs/vocal range.
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