“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!”
In this quote from Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables," the complex and symbiotic relationship between Jean Valjean and Cosette is beautifully depicted. Despite their individual vulnerabilities and struggles, they find strength and support in each other's presence. Jean Valjean's love for Cosette not only rejuvenates him but also gives him a purpose to continue being virtuous. On the other hand, Cosette's reliance on Jean Valjean as a protector allows her to navigate through life with confidence. This mutual dependence highlights the interconnectedness of their destinies and the profound impact they have on each other's lives.
In Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables," the relationship between Jean Valjean and Cosette illustrates the power of love and mutual support in overcoming adversity. This dynamic between the two characters continues to resonate in modern times, highlighting the importance of having a strong support system in facing life's challenges.
The connection between Jean Valjean and Cosette serves as a poignant reminder of how individuals can find strength and motivation in one another. This notion is particularly relevant today, as many people rely on the support of loved ones to navigate through difficult times. Just as Cosette provides Jean Valjean with the encouragement to continue his virtuous path, individuals in the present day lean on their relationships for emotional and mental support. Ultimately, the bond between Jean Valjean and Cosette exemplifies the enduring significance of love and companionship in fostering personal growth and resilience.
Victor Hugo beautifully portrays the interconnectedness of Jean Valjean and Cosette's relationship in Les Misérables. Through their bond, they find strength and resilience, ultimately becoming each other's pillars of support. Hugo's words remind us of the profound impact love and connection can have on our lives.
Victor Hugo brings up the idea of interdependence and mutual support in the relationship between Jean Valjean and Cosette. Reflecting on this passage, consider the following questions:
“He lifted his gaze to the framed photograph of Tanya and him taken on their wedding day. God, she had been lovely. Her smile had come through her eyes straight from her heart. He had known unequivocally that she loved him. He believed to this day that she had died knowing that he loved her. How could she not know? He had dedicated his life to never letting her doubt it.”
“He kissed her a little more deeply and was happy to hear her gasp of pleasure. The sound brought his erection back to life, and he brushed his fingertips over her collarbone. "How 'bout you hop on up here with me?" "I don't think you're quite ready for that yet." "Wanna bet?" He took her hand and put it under the hospital sheets. The throathy laugh as she gripped him gently was yet another marvel. Just like her constant presence in his room, her fierce protection of him, her love, her strength. She was everything to him. His whole world. He'd gone from being blasé about his death to being desperate to live. For her. For them. For their future. "What do you say we give it another day?" she said. "An hour." "Until you can sit up on your own." "Deal." Thank God he was a fast healer. (..............) Wrath struggled on the bed, trying to force himself upright so that he bore the weight of his upper body on his hips. Beth watched him the whole time, refusing to help. When he was steady, he rubbed his hands together in anticipation. He could feel her skin already. "Wrath," she said with warning as he beamed at her. "Come up here, leelan, A deal's a deal.”
“He dropped to his knees, and the air between them rippled with Karou’s crippling magic and with memory. The day of her death, this is what she had seen, this: Akiva on his knees, sick with the weight of this same magic coursing off Thiago’s soldiers, and he had struggled to hold his head up and look at her—just like this—with horror and despair and love—and she had wanted more than she had ever wanted anything to go to him and hold him, whisper to him that she loved him and was going to save him, but she couldn’t, not then, and she couldn’t now, not because of shackles or pinions or the executioner’s ax but because he was the enemy. He had proven it beyond any horror she would ever have believed, beyond any betrayal she could ever have dreamed, and he could never be forgiven, not ever.But… then… her hands fell to her sides.”
“Yet she was so sweet. She wasn’t a hard-ass, wasn’t jaded after all that had been done to her. In bed, she was giving and generous. And she smiled a lot. She seemed to enjoy life.Whereas he’d been nothing but a giant pain in the ass, taking for granted everything that had been given to him. He’d had it so easy, while his parents had struggled to give him a good life so all he had to do was go out and live his dream.He and Savannah were as different as night and day. How could she tolerate being around him? He was nothing but a spoiled football player who craved the spotlight. He didn’t deserve to be sharing a bed with her. She needed someone who cared for her, who thought of nothing but her, who’d give up everything just to give her the kind of life she deserved.He sucked in a breath and realized it was time he made some serious life changes. It was time to go all in and stop hesitating about the things he really wanted in his career. In his life.It was time to start taking some chances.”
“No. Thank you she said in a voice that said he could go to hell and take his jacket with him.”