How did Valjean alter Fantine’s conditions in the factory?
In the classic novel “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo, the character Jean Valjean plays a pivotal role in transforming the life of Fantine, a young woman who becomes a victim of the harsh realities of 19th-century France. Fantine, a single mother, is forced to work in a factory owned by the cruel and greedy M. Thénardier, where she is subjected to inhumane working conditions. However, it is Jean Valjean who ultimately alters Fantine’s circumstances, providing her with hope and a chance to survive the factory’s oppressive environment. This article explores the various ways in which Valjean intervenes to improve Fantine’s life in the factory.
Valjean’s initial intervention comes in the form of a financial gift. After Fantine is fired from the factory due to her pregnancy, she is left destitute and desperate. Valjean, who has been released from prison after 19 years, decides to help her by providing her with a substantial sum of money. This act not only helps Fantine to survive but also allows her to move to Montreuil-sur-Mer, where she can seek refuge and find work as a seamstress.
Valjean’s second act of intervention occurs when he learns of Fantine’s plight and decides to take matters into his own hands. He confronts M. Thénardier, the factory owner, and demands that he treat Fantine with respect and pay her fair wages. Valjean’s authority and determination force Thénardier to comply, thereby improving Fantine’s working conditions. This intervention not only benefits Fantine but also serves as a warning to other factory owners about the consequences of mistreating their workers.
Furthermore, Valjean takes it upon himself to ensure Fantine’s safety and well-being. He arranges for Fantine to live with the Thénardiers, who initially show her kindness but soon revert to their cruel ways. Valjean, however, continues to watch over Fantine, providing her with moral support and ensuring that she is not mistreated. This vigilance helps Fantine to maintain her dignity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Lastly, Valjean’s ultimate act of intervention comes when he learns that Fantine has been fired from the factory once again. This time, it is because she has become pregnant with her second child. Valjean, determined to protect Fantine and her child, takes on the role of her employer and offers her a job in his own factory. This act not only provides Fantine with a stable income but also allows her to work in a safe and respectful environment.
In conclusion, Jean Valjean’s interventions in Fantine’s life in the factory are instrumental in improving her conditions and saving her from the brink of despair. Through his financial support, moral guidance, and protection, Valjean helps Fantine to maintain her dignity and find hope amidst the darkness of the factory system. His actions serve as a testament to the power of compassion and the impact one person can have on another’s life.
