Brief Synopsis of the Story

Hi, guys! Last week I’ve introduced the development of the Les Mis musical, and I hope that did intrigue you. Today I’m going to give you an outline of the story, which may be a good guidance for you to a deeper understanding of this musical.

This story is set in 19^th century France, when the extreme wealth inequality prevails throughout the nation, and the society was dominated by selfishness, greed, and prejudice. The lead figure, Jean Valjean, is an ex-convict incarcerated for 19 years just for a trivial crime. In 1815 in Digne, after his release, the ex-convict is treated badly because of his identity. However, a bishop not only gives him a shelter, but forgives all of his guilt, telling him that his life has been spared for god and hoping that he could become an honest man.

Overwhelmed by the bishop’s generosity, a new insight of life dawns on Jean Valjean. Bitterness as well as anger being somehow washed away, he finally can cast out his hatred for the world.

Over the few years, he has led a new life under an alias and become a wealthy factory owner. However, his identity is seen through by the inspector, which forces him to start a life of fugitive. Afterward Jean Valjean adopts a chronically abused child due to his commitment, and constantly contributes to rescue the wretched out of their miseries and sufferings in the years leading to a revolution.

The revolution, schemed out mainly by a party of students harboring lofty ideals, is an act of anger and resistance to the corrupt Orléanist government, and a symbol of people standing up for their rights as well. During the rebellion, Jean Valjean confronts his greatest enemy, inspector Javert, who’s being confined at the moment; Jean Valjean decided to do the same as what he has granted from the generous bishop—forgiving. Though eventually the government declares its prevailing victory over the rebels, the spirits of aspiring youth will live on, and ‘the blood of the martyrs will water the meadow of France’. At last, to all the people submerged in despair and pain, ‘there is a life about to start, when tomorrow comes’!

(All the quotes are cited from the song Do You Hear the People Sing? from Les Mis)