"Les Misérables - Volume I: Fantine" introduces readers to the harsh realities of 19th-century France through the life of Fantine, a young woman forced into dire circumstances. After being abandoned by the father of her child, Cosette, she struggles to provide for her daughter. Fantine's descent into poverty illustrates the societal injustices of the time, as she resorts to desperate measures to survive.
The narrative delves into Fantine's sacrifices and the societal pressures that lead her to become a victim of exploitation. Her journey highlights the themes of love, sacrifice, and the quest for dignity amidst overwhelming despair. The author, Victor Hugo, portrays Fantine’s ultimate fate as a commentary on the moral decay and indifference of society towards the vulnerable.