Les Mis

Question 1

What are some of the themes of Les Mis?

Answer 1

Les Misérables reminds us that we are each part of the same human family, and that whatever our outward differences may be, our longings for individual liberty and peace are the same.

Some of the themes that can be discussed from this novel include 
Grace/redemption
The homeless and the poor
Personal and social responsibility
Crime and punishment/rehabilitation
Prejudice
The fight for freedom
Philanthropy

Question 2

How does Universality fit into Les Mis?

Answer 2

In a letter to one of his publishers, Victor Hugo said that he wrote Les Misérables for a universal audience. He added:
“social problems do not have frontiers. Humankind’s wounds, those huge sores that litter the world, do not stop at the red and blue lines drawn on maps. Wherever men go in ignorance or despair, wherever women sell themselves for bread, wherever children lack a book to learn from or a warm hearth, Les Misérables knocks at the door and says, ‘…open up. I am here for you.’”