I've just started reading and my thoughts are centered on what Hugo was trying to say about French society at the time. Enter Jean Valijean. Our main character is a convict and will be unwelcome wherever he goes. On p. 16 of my version, hopefully we'll all be on the same pages, Valjean gives a monologue of his attempts to find refuge and food. He's been walking for hours. He finally knocks on the door of a bishop who welcomes him in. We can compare the way in which the Bishop treats Valjean to the way he was treated by other people in the village. The Bishop shows him respect and refers to him as "monsieur". On p. 19 Hugo writes: "Monsieur to a convict is a glass of water to a man dying of thirst at sea. Ignominy thrists for respect." It's interesting that one simple word could carry so much meaning. Regardless of his past crimes, Valjean is a human being and deserves to be treated as such. Show a person respect and they will feel their own worth and value.
Bobbie
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It is so interesting how in the french society that respect was a so easily defined as a use of a word which held great meaning. Unlike our day and age where respect is more defined by the socio-class and culture to which one is aquianted with, even individually defined. It makes for alot more misunderstanding then the french society that Hugo outlines.
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