Journal entry from Jean Valjeans perspective:

For 19 years, I labored under harsh conditions, forced to work off my crime of stealing
bread for starving children. I had lived with my sister since my parents died; she raised
me, took care of me in times of need. And when her husband died, I had to step up and
protect her and her children. Life was harsh; I was uneducated at the time and jobs were
extremely scarce. As a tree pruner, I only earned a small amount of money each day.
When a particularly harsh winter struck, we quickly ran out of food and money. The
children were starving, slowly withering away with each passing day. I couldn't ideally sit
by and watch anymore. I knew stealing was against the law when I took that bread. But to
let 7 young children die was a prospect I could not live with.

Gavroches eulogy

I didn't know the boy personally; I had only seen him running about the streets, always
with a wide smile on his face. As his family is absent and his friends have mostly fallen
during the battle at the barricade, I can speak on his behalf. Gavroche had four siblings,
and was always traveling with his family. He loved to explore Paris, and talk to new
people. But his favorite hangout was always with the Les Amis de lABC, and it was
there he found a good home. I only spoke to him on a few occasions, but in those
moments I could see the passion in his eyes for his friends. He admired them and strived
to be like them. I suppose that's how he ended up at the barricade. I can only assume he
fought valiantly, as he would never surrender and give up his life easily. Gavroche was a
passionate young fellow and I'm glad to have known him for as long as I did.

Fantines obituary

Fantine, 26, died in Montreuil-sur-Mer this December, in 1823 of tuberculosis. She was
born in Montreuil-sur-Mer in 1797. She once had a lover by the name of Flix
Tholomys, who fathered her only child before leaving her. She never received an
education of any type. Fantine worked at Monsieur Madeleine's factory as a seamstress.
Later, she became a prostitute. She is survived by her only daughter, Cosette. The funeral
service is to be held at lFunrailles, on Wednesday, January 1, at 7:00 and Saturday,
January 4, at 5:00. The burial itself is on Sunday, January 5, at 2:00. For more
information concerning Fantine, please call 109-876-5432.

Les Miserables starts with the main character, Jean Valjean being released from prison.
His number, 24601, is branded on his chest, as shown in the picture. He was called 24601
over the years and treated like scum, which helps to explain why he later steals silver
from Bishop Bienvenu. Using the image of Jean Valjeans prison number shows Valjeans
dark side, his sins essentially, as he is constantly striving to be a better person and to
forget his past. It is the beginning of Valjeans character and the beginning of the story
overall.

This picture shows Valjean kneeling in prayer by the light of the candlesticks, after
having stolen the Bishops silver. Of course, the Bishop gave him the silver later, but
Valjean is still morally conflicted. The picture helps to show how Valjean turned away
from hatred and became a holy man. The candlesticks serve as a reminder of the Bishops
kindness and mercy. Valjean changes his entire lifestyle after receiving the candlesticks
and learns to become a better person.

Although not included in the abridged version of Les Miserables, Fantines arrest is an
important scene to include in this summary. Fantine was desperately trying to earn money
and turned to prostitution. Fantine was assaulted by a man who shoved snow down her
dress, and she proceeded to scratch his face. When Javert arrives on the scene, he only
sees Fantine's attack and blames her for the whole scenario. The picture shows the short
encounter with Javert before Valjean comes and saves Fantine from prison.

The picture here shows Javert on a horse. It is not really a scene in the story of Les
Miserables, but it does represent how Javert is always chasing Valjean. Countless times
throughout the novel, Javert is inches away from apprehending Valjean. Valjean runs
through the night and the shadows, hiding as best he can. Whereas Javert keeps his head
held high, following Valjeans trail with determination.

Cosette never had a mother or friends or quite anything really. Dressed in rags and given
the smallest morsels of food, Cosette lived in absolute misery. She constantly
daydreamed and wished for a better life, as anyone in her position would. The
Thnardiers abused her and forced her to do hard labor. Here, in the picture, Cosette
longingly looks out a window at the night sky.

Marius and Cosette first meet through glance. With one look, their love blossomed and
became something absolutely beautiful. Here, Marius looks across the street to see
Cosette and she in return sees him. Their love begins in this scene and changes the course
of the novel. They are the only characters to receive a happily ever after and it all begins
with a simple look.

ponine only wanted Mariuss love and admiration. But being poor and not well
educated, he never saw her in that way. She was just his friend, just somebody he knew.
ponine sacrifices her life for Marius later, and he simply forgets about her, and lets her
death mean little to nothing. ponine walks alone through the streets of Paris in this
picture, wishing she had Marius by her side.

The last picture here shows Gavroche waving a flag at the barricade. The barricade scene
is perhaps one of the most well-known scenes of Les Miserables. I drew Gavroche
instead of Enjolras or one of the other ABC guys because he was just a child. He gave his
life to the greater good and never gave up, perhaps being the most passionate of them all.
Les Miserables is a book about love and sacrifice and there is no better picture than the
barricade to represent that.