Blacheville smiles with the self-satisfied smugness of a man whose vanity is tickled
In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," the character Blacheville embodies a certain arrogance, reflecting a personality steeped in self-importance. His smile suggests a contentment rooted in his vanity, showcasing how individuals can often take pleasure in their own perceived superiority. This smug demeanor indicates a lack of awareness about the broader implications of one's actions and the feelings of others.
This portrayal of Blacheville serves to highlight the themes of pride and social status within the novel. While he revels in his accomplishments and the recognition he receives, Hugo skillfully critiques such vanity by demonstrating how it can blind individuals to the realities of life around them. Through characters like Blacheville, the author emphasizes the pitfalls of self-satisfaction and the societal structures that elevate some while oppressing others.
