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Revolutionary Left Radio

Les Misérables: Victor Hugo, Revolution, and French History

Nov 21, 2023
Victor Hugo, author of Les Misérables, joins the show to discuss the novel's political and social themes. They explore the cultural impact of Les Misérables and its various adaptations, as well as the characters and themes in the book. They also touch on Hugo's background and political views, and reflect on Paris, the French Revolution, and Julius Caesar's assassination.
01:03:10

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The ideological conflict between grace and justice in 'Les Misérables' explores the coexistence of compassion and discipline in society.
  • The portrayal of revolutionaries in the novel glorifies their cause and emphasizes their willingness to use violence to create a better society for the poor.

Deep dives

The Conflict Between Jean Valjean and Javert

One of the major themes in 'Les Misérables' is the ideological conflict between Jean Valjean's grace and forgiveness and Javert's rigid sense of justice. This conflict explores the coexistence of compassion and discipline in society and culminates in Javert's tragic suicide.

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