"Les Misérables, Volume I," written by Victor Hugo, introduces readers to a richly woven tapestry of 19th-century French society, focusing on themes of justice, love, and redemption. The story primarily revolves around Jean Valjean, an ex-convict struggling to redefine his life after serving years for stealing bread. His journey underscores the harsh realities of poverty and the stigma that follows those who have been incarcerated, reflecting Hugo's deep social commentary on the injustices of the time.
The narrative also features a range of characters, each representing various facets of society. Fantine, a struggling mother, embodies the suffering of the lower class, while Javert, a relentless police inspector, personifies the unforgiving nature of the law. Through these characters, Hugo examines the moral complexities of right and wrong, highlighting the consequences of society’s rigid attitudes toward crime and punishment.