Virtual Gallery of Romanticism- Literature

Victor Hugo- Les Misérables

Les Misérables is a well known novel written by Victor Hugo in the mid-1800’s, over a period of twenty years. Hugo, considered to be “first and foremost…a romantic” (Denny, Norman), presented the views of the Romantic era in many of his works of fiction, including this one. The nationalistic views mimic characteristics of Romanticisim, as does the fact that the novel is based on the French Revolution. The French Revolution was “a primary source of inspiration” (article) for authors in this time. Furthermore, the emphasis on childhood and the many references to dreams illustrated in this novel reinforces the Romantic ideals. The characters also often choose emotion over reason and intellect. Romantics often focused on themselves, and this is visible in this story. It has been deduced by critics that Marius, a character in Les Misérables, is supposedly a portrait of the youthful Victor Hugo. Moreover, the extensive use of nature, such as gardens, demonstrates the ideals of a Romanticist. As a whole, this novel depicts the many ideals of Romanticism and ultimately illustrates the fact that social movements can be expressed effectively in literature.

Here is a link to the novel online: 

http://books.google.ca/books?id=ZuQBAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=les+miserables+penguin+classics&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LreAT_KgM6-O0QH92a3HBg&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false