Eng N1

Literature: The Early Nineteenth Century

  • Age of Romanticism

    • Marked by a prevailing democratic spirit and romanticism.

    • Influenced by the French Revolution (1789) and the Industrial Revolution.

    • Characteristics stem from literary/philosophical sources, abandoning neoclassicism.

    • New standards emphasized truth, beauty, and an appreciation for ordinary citizens over the cultivated elite.

    • Shifted emphasis from reason to emotion, imagination, individuality, and personal expression.

About the Author: Victor Hugo

  • Biography

    • Lived from 1802 to 1885, symbolizing social force during complex times.

    • Developed a deep sympathy for humanity and broke literary conventions of his era.

    • Introduced common people into literature, portraying them as humane and noble.

Les Misérables

  • Significance

    • Considered one of the greatest Romantic novels, inspiring various prominent writers.

    • Captures the revolutionary spirit of France, emphasizing heroism, compassion, and humanity.

    • Highlights struggles of the poor and marginalized, relevant to contemporary societal issues.

  • Plot Summary

    • Follows Jean Valjean, an ex-convict influenced by kindness, transitioning from criminality to virtue.

    • Illustrates societal themes of justice, equality, and freedom against the backdrop of political upheaval.

Vocabulary Words

  • gendarme – French police officer

  • stupefaction – state of being stupefied, in oblivion

  • perdition – a state of a soul’s final doomed condition

Literature as a Vehicle of Conflict Resolution

  • Themes Explored in Les Misérables

    • Exposes social injustices, inviting revolutionary solutions to poverty, prejudice, and corruption.

Analyzing Texts: Moralist Criticism

  • Framework

    • Examines how a text engages with ethical values (courage, honesty, etc.).

    • Focus on core conflict and climax to assess moral implications.

  • Key Questions for Analysis

    1. What moral or ethical idea is being presented?

    2. How does the text align with ethical principles?

    3. Influence on readers' perspectives?

Extracting Themes from Films

  • Identifying Themes

    • Observe characters, events, and titles for clues.

    • Look for repetitive actions or significant symbols.

    • Note allusions to historical, cultural, or religious events for deeper understanding.

  • Application to Les Misérables

    • Continuous adaptations across various media showcase its complex themes.