Les Miserables, Wilbour Translation

Name: Les Miserables, Wilbour Translation
Author: Victor Hugo

Les Misérables is a classic French novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862. It follows the story of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who is trying to make a new life for himself in 19th century France. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, including the police inspector Javert, the street urchin Gavroche, and the young girl Cosette. The novel is set against the backdrop of the June Rebellion of 1832, and explores themes of justice, mercy, and redemption. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest novels of all time.

By Victor Hugo · First published 1862 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Drama, Romance · 60 chapters · 257,749 words

First lines

LIFE became stern to Marius. To eat his coats and his watch was nothing. He chewed that inexpressible thing which is called the cud o] bitterness. A horrible thing, which includes days without bread, nights without sleep, evenings without a candle, a hearth without a fire, weeks without labour, a future without hope, a coat out at the elbows, an old hat which makes young girls laugh, the door found shut against you at night because you have not paid your rent, the insolence of the porter and the landlord, the jibes of neighbours, humiliations, selfrespect outraged, any drudgery acceptable, disgust, bitterness, prostration Marius learned how one swallows down all these things, and how they are often the only things that one has to swallow*. At that period of existence, when man has need of pride, because he has need of love, he felt that he was mocked at because he was badly dressed, and ridiculed because he was poor. At the age when youth swells the heart with an imperial pride, he more than once dropped his eyes upon his worn-out boots, and experienced the undeserved shame and the poignant blushes of misery. Wonderful and terrible trial, from which the feeble come out infamous, from which the strong come out sublime. Crucible into which destiny casts a man whenever she desires a scoundrel or a demi-god.

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Les Miserables, Wilbour Translation is listed on Textopian as a novel by Victor Hugo, dated 1862 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Victor Hugo
Date: 1862 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Drama, Romance, Adventure, Social Commentary
Length: 257,749 words
Structure: 184 chapters, 4,663 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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How does this novel by Victor Hugo fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — Les Miserables is set in 19th century France and follows the story of Jean Valjean, a former convict, and his struggles to redeem himself in the eyes of society.
Drama — The novel is filled with dramatic moments, such as Jean Valjean's escape from prison and his confrontation with Inspector Javert. The novel also contains a number of subplots that add to the drama.
Romance — The novel contains a number of romantic subplots, such as the love story between Marius and Cosette, and the doomed romance between Eponine and Marius.
Adventure — The novel contains a number of thrilling adventures, such as Jean Valjean's escape from prison and his pursuit by Inspector Javert. The novel also contains a number of exciting battle scenes.