So I just finished reading Les Miserables (yes, all 1222 pages of it). For the past few months, I've been obsessed with the musical and thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. Bawled my eyes out in the end, to tell the truth. What I really found funny yet oddly insightful were the parts about the love developing between Marius and Cosette--a love that seemed reminiscent of puppy love. I thought a couple points were both amusing and noteworthy, and wondered how viable these points are today. I have little to no experience in the realms of love at this point in my life, so I wanted to hear what others thought of them.
So, without further ado...
What Victor Hugo's Les Miserables Taught Me About Young Love:
1) "The first symptom of true love in a young man is timidity, in a young woman, boldness. This is surprising, and yet nothing is more natural. It is the two sexes tending to unite, and each acquiring the qualities of the other" (756).
Does anyone else think that is a fascinating idea? That a woman becomes bolder and a man more timid when faced with love (or attraction)?
2) "There is another law of these young years of suffering and care, of these sharp struggles of the first love against the first obstacles, the young girl does not allow herself to be caught in any toil, the young man falls into all" (758).
Okay, I just thought this was funny. The example in the book explained how Jean Valjean (the protective father figure) was suspicious of a developing relationship, but Cosette hid her feelings so well as to dispell any doubts. Marius, on the other hand, fell into all the traps set for him and behaved like an obviously love-struck puppy. Valjean concluded that: "This booby is madly in love with Cosette, but Cosette does not even know of his existence!" And yes, he really called Marius a "booby".
Both entertaining and enlightening. So what do you think? Post if you can, I'd love to hear your thoughts on these ideas, foster some discussion and whatnot.
Manly Task #45
10 years ago
