Jean’s Path Elements of Bildungsroman in Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables

Abstract

This article aims to demonstrate some traces of bildung and improvement in the moral development of Jean Valjean, in Victor Hugo’s "Les Misérables". Firstly, the elements of the "Bildungsroman" are briefly exposed and following the elements whitch apply to Jean Valjean are investigated. They are evident through the moral prooves the protagonists undergoes throughout his life and through the figure of the “tutor” – bishop of Digne, Don Bienvenu. Finally, it is concluded that other elements of the Bildungsroman are also present: the picaresque elements of the sagacity and the masks (different identities) of Jean Valjean. It is also concluded that Victor Hugo still represents a contibution to the bildungs of the 21 Century reader. Keywords: Bildungsroman. Victor Hugo. Les Misérables.