...Les Misérables ,as defined by Wikipedia, is a French historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables follows the story of former prisoner Jean Valjean who, after being released from the watchful eye of police officer Javert is unable to find work because of his status as an ex-convict. He eventually steals from a local church, but when apprehended, the priest claims that Valjean was given the valuables. This triggers a change in Valjean, and he constructs a new identity for himself as a pillar of society and a local businessman. Years later, he adopts a young girl named Cosette, whose mother Fantine, a former employee of his, became a prostitute and died a horrible death in the gutters after being fired. As the years progress and the French Revolution begins to foment, a grown Cosette falls for a passionate revolutionary named Marius, while Javert begins to close in again on Valjean's secret past. Les Miserables, as I’ve thought, was just another movie about revolution and rebellion. But I was completely dumbfounded when I saw the twist and turn of events. At first I found the movie a bit strange and queer, mainly because of the portrayal of the character’s lines through singing but, nevertheless, it made the whole story more enticing and interesting especially as the story develops. The...
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...Les Miserables (Reaction Paper) Les Miserables or The Miserable Ones is a musical movie based on the novel of Victor Hugo. It is a story about the hardship, love, sacrifice, humanity, laws, broken dreams, and also the darkest parts of French history during the revolution in 18th century. This movie focusing on the struggles and experiences of redemption of Jean Valjean. The movie begins in 1815 in Digne,France, when Jean Valjean released from 19 years imprisonment for stealing a loaf of bread just to feed his sister’s seven starving children, and gave him a parole but he breaks it that makes the ruthless policeman Javert hunted him. Because of being a former convict, the people around him rejected him until he met the Bishop Myriel who helped and encourage him to have a faith in God and to change as a better man. After six years hiding, he becomes a wealthy factory owner in Paris and one of his employees is Fantine. Fantine is a single mother who will do anything in order to support her daughter. She sell her hair, become a prostitute and even her dreams are broken. Valjean helped Fantine to see her daughter and take her to the hospital but later she was die happily when she saw her daughter. Later, he met Cosette, a young girl who is abusing and maltreating by Monsieur and Madame Thenardier. So, Valjean adopts her. After 8 years, Cosette grows into a beautiful woman where Marius falls in love with her. While Eponine, a young daughter of Monsieur and M. Thenardier who was...
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...Traditions VS Happiness In the two short stories “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson and “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas” by Ursula Le Guin, the reader explores similar but different themes. The two authors create two dissimilar short stories based on the same idea, the idea of arrogant people and the traditions that they live in. Jackson and Le Guin show how people are selfish, and they care only for themselves, but they also demonstrate how traditions are affecting people’s lives. Through out these two short stories, the plots determine how the world can abuse innocent people for unnecessary reasons and the fact where traditions can hurt physically or emotionally others. More specifically, the first story presents a small village where...
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...Andrew Neimetz 12/19/2013 Mrs. Nichols English 12 Les Miserbles Composition Jean Val Jean was one of the most important characters in the book "Les Miserables". Most people see Jean Val Jean to be the protagonist of the story. This is mainly thought because the story is based around the event where Jean Val Jean, a convict that escaped and now wants to live a good life, takes a little girl, named Cosette, in and raises her as his daughter. He does this by giving the past gaurdians a lot of money. To many people, giving up a lot of your money to take in a girl that you have never met because the past gaurdians are horriable is an incredible act. It is even more incredible when you think that Jean Val Jean was never forced to give this money or take in this child. Just like many people believe he is a great person and the protaginist, others believe that he isn't as good of a person as people say. This is because even though he did rescue Cosette from a horrible life, he is still an escaped convict that hasn't paid this dues for commiting the crime. Eventhough his mindset has changed, he still commited the crime and should pay the price for it. Between these two views, many of these people see Jean Val Jean as a person who is like Christ as in being a redeemer. In the Bible, wheather you believe it is truth or just stories, Jesus is a perfect example of a redeemer because he gave up his perfect and sinless life to save people of their sins. This action is very simular...
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...In this short story, Le Guin describes the utopian city of Omelas during the Festival of Summer. The city is characterized by its happiness and beauty underscored by its close proximity to a sparkling sea. For the festival, the entire population of Omelas joins together in various processionals through the city. Boys and girls in the Green Fields exercise their horses in preparation for the festival race. Bells clang and people sing and dance so that the city seems alive with music. In Omelas, the people have precisely what they need, and have managed to trim away the more destructive excesses of life. Despite their happiness, the people of Omelas are not simple. They are “mature, intelligent, passionate adults whose lives are not wretched” (2). Their lives are complex and they do not live in an idyllic fairytale, as the description of the city might suggest. In terms of law enforcement and government rule, Le Guin leaves this area vague stating only that there is no military presence within the city, and that the people are not governed by a king. There are no slaves and the laws that govern the city are not outlined, but Le Guin “suspects that [there are] few” (2). Furthermore, the people are free from the tyranny of religious leaders, as the city lacks any priests or oligarchical elements. Sexual mores in Omelas are left to the reader’s imagination. Lu Guin only suggests free love is readily available in the city, where potential lovers wander the streets ready to...
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...LES MISÉRABLES Directed by: TOM HOOPER Les Misérables is the story of four people—Bishop Myriel, Valjean, Fantine, and Marius—who meet, part, and then meet again during the most agitated decades of 19th-century France. It also tells the story of the 1832 revolution and describes the unpleasant side of Paris. The movie is in essence a plea for humane treatment of the poor and for equality among all citizens. Bishop Myriel is a kind and generous bishop who gives Jean Valjean aid when everyone else refuses him. Searching for a place to spend the night, the ex-convict finds that he is a branded man and no inn will let him stay. His last resort is the home of the bishop, who takes him in and treats him as an honored guest. After Valjean steals the silverware and is caught by the police, the bishop protects him by insisting that the silver was actually a gift. The bishop's selfless act inspires Valjean to change his life. Jean Valjean. The chief protagonist is an ex-convict who struggles to redeem himself morally and to find acceptance in a society that rejects him as a former criminal. The change in him became the light of the movie. Fantine is a Parisian “grisette,” or working woman, who falls in love with a student, Félix Tholomyès. Just after Félix breaks off their relationship, she gives birth to a daughter, Cosette. From that point forward her life is a downward spiral. She gives up her child to the mercenary Thénardiers and finds a job in her home town, but is dismissed...
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...Kate Chopin’s “The Storm”. Chopin’s story involves a wife, a seemingly loving husband, and a young son in the 1800s. A storm hits and while the wife is safe at home, the husband and son are at a store and must remain there until it passes. A former lover of the wife is nearby when the storm hits and must take shelter at her home. Then story turns very intimate as the wife and the man from her past experience sensual tension while waiting out the storm. When the skies calm, the man leaves and shortly after, the husband and son return home and life continues as if nothing ever occurred. The wife, Calixta, jeopardized the well-being of her family for a few moments of “happiness”. Although “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”, by Ursula Le Guin and “The Storm”, by Kate Chopin, have contrasting stipulations such as; length of time, people involved, repercussions, plausibility, types of happiness, and public knowledge of the characters actions. They share a theme by stating that it is defensible for people to...
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...Candido, Arwald A. BSBA-III; Mgt219-B May 9, 2014 Insight Paper on Amir Khan’s Film “Lagaan” Who would ever know that if you fight for what you believe in the present will soon be reflected in the future. I never thought that success will come from those who believe in change and those who are willing to take a big risk even if their life will be on stake. “Lagaan” simply conveys a message that if you keep your face to the sunshine, you will never see the shadow like the optimist who has a greater scope of possibilities. According to Helen Keller, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” Nonetheless, those people who believe in the power of their minds will make the impossible things possible. I have a doubt at first when I saw how the scenes are running. I’ve been overpowered by my pessimistic side like “what if” questions but in the long run it changes my perspective on things. Bhuvan, the main character in the story clearly shows the ideal leader that every nation should have. With the problem imposed to them which is they need to pay their tax twice, he was able to remove the imposition of tax by not paying it for three consecutive years. The root cause of all these can be traced back to the kind of government they have. It is weak and can be manipulated. For example is their Raja, overshadowed by fear, he doesn’t want to fight against the British Empire because he has this “utang na loob” to them. In the...
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...What is it that keeps man good, and dulls the suffering of the world? Assuming the answer is one of the lessons Les Miserables was meant to teach. The author Victor Hugo weaves an experience such as no other, addressing humanity, redemption, and the power of love all in a post-revolution setting. Although society experiences suffering the actions of love directs them to moral redemption on a celestial level. Before facing redemption, characters such as Jean Valjean undergo dramatic life changes. In spite of the reasons Jean Valjean becomes a “fagot”, throughout the narration it is forever present that the main character is on a path to salvation (Hugo, p.66). It is in an expressed opinion that he is suffering from being devoid of human contact for over 19 years. On the other hand, some will see the desire to interact with another as a weakness worthy of living without. Moreover Jean Valjean is forced into emerging from the Galley’s of Toulon as an outcast of society not even wanted among “dogs” (Hugo, p.11). Meanwhile one can only wonder about the mental effects such depravation can cause. For this reason it is expressed that the character in question is disabled, suddenly confused about right and wrong. In addition to the main character, Marius is clouded by ignorance and anger undergoing a powerful transformation. (Hugo, 1961) Not long after finding out the truth about his father Marius blindly runs away from his problems. Equally important is the way Marius was able to re-examine...
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...Les Miserables is a movie about people with miserable lives. Each of them has a unique story that portrays why their lives are miserable. The sacrifices and pains of the lead characters in this movie are intense and breathtaking. Jean Valjean is a convict in a French prison. He’s been serving his sentence for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread for the daughter of his sister that was starving to death and trying to escape prison as well. Javert a police inspector is keen enough to hover over prisoner 64201—Valjean. Javert then grants Valjean his parole since his sentence is over. The parole has itineraries for which Valjean must abide at all times. It includes the yellow badge that Valjean shall wear at all times to show people that he is a dangerous man. Depite Valjean’s freedom there is still something missing that he doesn’t seem to find out what could it possibly be. He tried to apply for jobs but was rejected for carrying the badge. He becomes hopeless and even stole a silverware from Myriel—a presiding bishop. Myriel gave refuge to Valjean and covered for his misdeeds. Valjean then hides beneath the name of Madeleine. He then manages and owns a manufacturing company in the town of Montreuil-sur-mer. This made him wealthy enough to try to bring up the town’s prosperity. Fantine fell in love, got pregnant and the man she fell for eventually abandons her and their child. She then traveled to the town of Montfermil with her child, Cosette. She made a deal with Monsieur...
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...LIVRE DE PRIERES NUMERO SPECIAL DE LA VOIE ORTHODOXE Je suis la Voie, la Vérité, La Vie (Jean 14,7) [pic] Publié avec la bénédiction de Son Eminentissime le Métropolite Laur, Primat de l’Eglise Orthodoxe Russe Hors-Frontières. [pic] I - PRIERES DU MATIN . Aussitôt levés, avant de rien entreprendre, mettons-nous devant les icônes et faisons le signe de croix, disant : Au Nom du Père, du Fils et du Saint Esprit. Amen. Après nous être recueillis pendant quelques instants, commençons à réciter les prières suivantes, sans nous hâter, avec une attention fervente : Prière du Publicain : Ô Dieu, aie pitié de moi, pécheur ! Prières initiales : Seigneur Jésus Christ, Fils de Dieu, par les prières de Ta très sainte Mère et de tous les Saints, aie pitié de nous. Amen. Invocation à Dieu : Gloire à Toi, notre Dieu, gloire à Toi ! Invocation au Saint Esprit : Roi du ciel, Consolateur, Esprit de vérité, Toi qui es partout présent et qui emplis tout, Trésor des biens et Donateur de vie, viens et demeure en nous, purifie-nous de toute souillure et sauve nos âmes, Toi qui es bon ! Trisagion : Saint Dieu, Saint Fort, Saint Immortel, aie pitié de nous (3 fois). Gloire au Père, et au Fils, et au Saint-Esprit; et maintenant et toujours et aux siècles des siècles. Amen. Très Sainte Trinité, aie pitié de nous. Seigneur, purifie-nous de nos péchés; Maître, pardonne nos iniquités; Saint, visite et guéris nos infirmités à cause...
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...affluent Having an abundance of wealth. aficionados Ardent fans; enthusiasts. agha Mister; great lord. ahesta boro Wedding song. ahmaq Fool, idiot. Al hamdullellah Thanks to God. Alahoo God. alaykum Upon you; usually found with a word preceding it, as in "peace be upon you." Alef-beh The letters A and B, used to signify the entire alphabet. attan A tribal dance performed on festive occasions. aush Soup with noodles, meat, vegetables, tomato broth, and yogurt, usually served with mint as a garnish. awroussi The wedding ceremony. ayat Sign or miracle, usually referring to verses of the Koran. Ayat-ul-kursi A long verse of the Koran. azan The call to prayer that occurs five times daily. Babalu Boogeyman. bachem My child. bakhshesh Forgiveness. bakhshida Pardoned by God. balay Yes. bas Enough. bia To lead along. biryani Rice dish made with meat, vegetables, and yogurt. Bismillah An exclamation meaning "In the name of God!" biwa A widow. boboresh "Cut him." bolani Flatbread stuffed with potatoes or leeks. burqa Women's outer garment that fully covers them. Buzkashi A National game of Afghanistan played on horseback and involving a calf's carcass as the object of competition. caracul A specific type of sheep. carcinoma A malignant tumor that spreads by metastasis; cancer. cardamom The aromatic seeds of an Asian plant in the ginger family. chai Tea. Chaman A town in Afghanistan. chapan...
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...Revolution, it could have been possible for the aristocratic regimes to suppress the revolution and its ideals in France. Along with the French Revolution previously came the Enlightenment. With this period, the power of the Church lessened and science took over. Today, religion is greatly believed to not mix with politics and government. The French Revolution was a very important episode in the history of mankind in which people rose up against ancient, repressive and exploitative social order and values, and changed them with what we are still using today. All these improvements were not possible without sacrifices of the French people. France entered revolution as a violent country with violent, bloody past. Even today, we do not know what degree of violence is justified in order to make a better world. Journal #3 The song “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from the musical Les Miserables is a revolutionary call for people to overcome persecution and adversity. The "barricades" referenced in the song are erected by the rebel students in the streets of Paris in the musical's second act. They are to draw the National Guard into combat and ignite a civilian uprising meant to overthrow the oppressive government, although their rebellion eventually fails. The anti-monarchist republicans are the singers here, labelling themselves “the people”, representing the masses living in poverty, and distinguishing themselves from authority that they saw as tyrannical. The line “When the beating of...
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...The Long Road Out Of Eden A scrutiny of marital relationships and the subsequent consequence on the individuality of women as seen in Astitiva Submitted by: Pavithra Sagar 05D1829 III PSEng Submitted to: Ms. Abhaya Dept. Of Media Studies Christ College “In olden times, sacrifices were made at the altar – a custom which is still continued” Helen Rowland Although marriage might have been instituted in the Garden of Eden when man was in innocence (Gen 2:18-24), marriages are seldom believed to have been made in heaven, unless couples habitually wear rose-tinted glasses. Essentially and realistically, marriage is but a contract or a traditional bargain which is drawn up between men and women. As defined by the World Book Encyclopedia. ‘It is the relationship between a man and a woman who have made legal agreement to live together. When a man and a woman marry, they become husband and wife’. Almost every society has certain traditional ideas about marriage and many roles and duties of the husband and wife are based on religious codes. Most marriage laws that are based on religious edicts favor men. Genesis, the story of creation reveals how God created Man and Woman and placed them in the Garden of Eden. There, they dwelt as equals as both were created in the image of God and thus had undifferentiated roles, duties, shared the same status and their relationship was a ‘partnership of equals’. It was only after the deception of the...
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