Les Miserables

After watching a movie with your children or students, we encourage parents and teachers to look for education opportunities to teach with movies. Here are a few discussion topics that can help with lesson plans or teaching in the home.

While it is impossible to help everyone, what does this story say about the value of being willing to help even one person? What difference does the Bishop’s kindness make in Jean Valjean’s life? What moral obligations does Jean feel toward his fellowman following his own redemption? Why do you think he is willing to risk his own security so a wrongfully accused man can go free?

How do the values of mercy and justice juxtapose one another in this story? Why is Javert so driven to punish Jean Valjean? Who is willing to extend mercy?

The group of rebel students who stage the June Revolution of 1832 want to cut down the wealthy in their society. While this inclusion of a bit of history in Victor Hugo’s novel speaks to the desperation of the times, how is this rebellion similar to others throughout time, including the Occupy Wall Street movement? What was the outcome of the students’ rebellion? Would there have been a way to get their point across more successfully? What, if any, responsibility do each of us have to ensure social justice in our society?