Remains

After Les Misérables (the movie) was released, many of our local columnists talked about rebellion and revolution.

Of course the original novel is much more complicated than a simple story against tyranny. Unlike most other popular stories, in which you could easily tell who the bad guy is (for example, Professor Moriarty and Lord Voldemort), there is no real evil character in this masterpiece of Victor Hugo. Jean Valjean, Javert, Fantine, Cosette, Marius, Éponine, Gavroche, Enjolras – they are all unfortunate people, living in wicked place at the time of hell.

Alas, this very difference distinguishes a great story from a good one.

When you come to realize this, you may know why I pay special attention to Thénardier. Most of the characters that I mentioned died in the story. Cosette and Marius survived, but could hardly be considered as happy ever after. On the other hand, as a trivial existence with all the weaknesses of an ordinary man, Thénardier remains – and not in bad shape at all. (In the original novel, he left Paris and became a slave trader in New York.)

And that’s why it is a truly season of Darkness and winter of despair: Not when everyone is wiped off, but when you find only the scum remains.