Friday, April 19, 2013

Les Misérables: Q is for Question: Who Am I?

Jean Valjean or 24601?



Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  2 Corinthians 5:17



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Before his role of Monsieur Le Mayor, the main character had two identities:

He was born and lived as Jean Valjean, until that fateful day. His sister's child was starving. Times were tough. Valjean broke into a house to find food. When convicted of the crime, he became just a number: 24601. Impersonal. Branded forever..

Javert saw Valjean as convict number 24601. Once a slave of the law, always a slave of the law. He relentlessly pursued Valjean . . . For stealing a loaf of bread. But, when Javert began to see mercy portrayed over and over in Valjean's life, Javert, towards the end, called him Jean Valjean. A man, not a number. Capable of doing good. Someone with a soul. Someone with feelings. But, by then it was too late. . . For Javert.

Interestingly, twice Valjean questions who he is.  Both times, he is confessing.  Once to the court in order to free the man wrongly accused of Valjean's crime, and the other when he reveals his true identity to Marius before his marriage to Cosette.

God saw this man as Jean Valjean. Fully forgiven for his crime. The convict had repented. . . he wanted to begin again. The old 24601 had vanished, and Jean Valjean, child of God, emerged.


Are you ready for a new beginning?





10 comments:

  1. Thanks for stopping by my blog! I am fascinated that you chose Les Miserable as your theme. Will check the back letters!

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    1. You are welcome, Noelle . . .thanks for visiting. Enjoy the posts!

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  2. Such a deep topic you handled - in a very creative manner! Love Les Misérables and all the layered messages it reveals:) I, for one, am ready for a new beginning as a writer, with thought-provoking messages of my own to reveal:)

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    1. Thanks, Sam! And go for it. . . That's what new beginnings are all about!

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  3. thanks for the info ... the movie is on my to-watch list, and it is always nice to have more background beforehand.

    Silvia @ Silvia Writes

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    1. As I've told others, Silvia, make sure you see it on the big screen before it disappears. Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. Love the blog post and your theme. I look forward to your coming blog posts and will make it a point to read the previous ones.

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    1. Thanks so much. I hope you are blessed by them. I appreciate your visit to my blog, too!

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  5. Thank you for visiting my blog. I can't wait to catch up on yours. Your theme for the challenge is the most unique I've encountered.

    Jaime at Awakenings and Reflections

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    1. Thank you, Jaime. . . It's kind of you to say so. Hope you enjoy the remainder of the posts!

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I would love to have you comment...thanks!

Journey into the Promised Land

Journey into the Promised Land
From Egypt to Israel