“Jean Valjean watched these ravages with anxiety. He who felt that he could never do anything but crawl, walk at the most, beheld wings sprouting on Cosette.”
Analysis of Quote:
In this quote from Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables," Jean Valjean is observing the changes in Cosette as she grows and matures. The metaphor of wings sprouting on Cosette suggests that she is blossoming and developing into a strong and independent individual. Valjean's anxiety may stem from his fear of losing control over Cosette as she gains her own agency. This quote highlights the theme of growth and transformation within the novel, as characters evolve and change over time.
Modern Relevance:
In Victor Hugo's classic novel Les Misérables, Jean Valjean's observation of Cosette's transformation serves as a powerful metaphor for personal growth and development. Just as Cosette was able to spread her wings and flourish, individuals in today's society are also capable of overcoming hardships and thriving in their own way. This quote highlights the universal theme of resilience and the potential for positive change in the face of adversity.
Analysis of Jean Valjean's reaction to Cosette growing up
In this quote from Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, Jean Valjean expresses his unease and apprehension as he witnesses the physical and emotional changes in Cosette. As she matures and begins to assert her independence, Valjean is reminded of his own limitations and struggles. He sees her transformation as a symbol of her newfound freedom and strength, contrasting with his own feelings of vulnerability.
Reflection Questions
In this poignant quote from Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, we see Jean Valjean reflecting on the growth and transformation of his beloved adopted daughter, Cosette. As he watches her flourish and develop into a young woman, he experiences a mix of emotions. Reflecting on this quote can prompt us to consider our own reactions to the growth and change of those we care about. Here are some questions to ponder:
- How do you react when you see someone you care about experiencing growth and transformation?
- Have you ever felt anxious or apprehensive about someone close to you changing and developing?
- In what ways have you witnessed someone close to you "growing wings," metaphorically speaking?
- What emotions do you think Jean Valjean might be experiencing as he observes Cosette's development?
- How can we support and encourage the growth and transformation of those we care about?
Similar quotes
“Who can be sure that Jean Valjean had not been on the verge of losing heart and giving up the struggle? In loving he recovered his strength. But the truth is that he was no less vulnerable than Cosette. He protected her and she sustained him. Thanks to him she could go forward into life, and thanks to her he could continue virtous. He was the child's support and she his mainstay. Sublime, unfathomable marvel of the balance of destiny!”
“Jean ValJean. I hated that fucker.”
“He felt the muscle of his heart rip apart, and there was nothing he could do but watch it bleed all over the dreams he had never meant to have.”
“Had he not had a greater purpose, the saving not of his life but of his soul, the resolve to become a good and honourable man and upright man as the bishop required him - had not that been his true a deepest intention? Now he talked of closing the door on the past when, God help him, he would be reopening the door by committing an infamous act, not merely that of a thief but of the most odious of thieves. He would be robbing a man of his life, his peace, his place in the sun, morally murdering him by condemning him to the living death that is called a convict prison. But if, on the other hand, he saved the man by repairing the blunder, by proclaiming himself Jean Valjean the felon, this would be to achieve his own true resurrection and firmly close the door on the hell from which he sought to escape. To return to it in appearance would be to escape from it in reality. This was what he must do, and without it he would have accomplished nothing, his life would be wasted, his repentance meaningless, and there would be nothing left for him to say except, 'Who cares?' He felt the presence of the bishop, more urgent than in life; he felt the old priest's eyes upon him and knew that henceforth Monsieur Madeleine the mayor, with all his virtues, would seem to him abominable, whereas Jean Valjean the felon would be admirable and pure. Other men would see the mask, but the bishop would see the face; others would see the life, but he would see his soul. So there was nothing for it but to go to Arras and rescue the false Jean Valjean by proclaiming the true one. The most heartrending of sacrifices, the most poignant of victories, the ultimate, irretrievable step - but it had to be done. It was his most melancholy destiny that he could achieve sanctity in the eyes of God only by returning to degradation in the eyes of men.”
“He said to himself that he really had not suffered enough to deserve such radiant happiness, and he thanked God, in the depths of his soul, for having permitted that he, a miserable man, should be so loved by this innocent being."Jean Valjean about Cossette”