A Marxist Criticism on

“Do You Hear The People Sing?” from the novel “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo

INTRODUCTION
Have you ever experienced being suppressed or not listened to? Have you experienced
being under tyrannical rule with rigid instructions? Have you been discriminated because
of social status? “Do You Hear The People Sing?” is the perfect song for fortification in
times of revolution, change, and protest. It is one of the most popular songs sung in the
musical “Les Miserables” that can pretty much define French history during the 19th
century. Hundreds of years passed— the song is still pretty relevant and protesters in
different events from all over the world would even tend to sing it in their protests and
rallies. What could this song mean in modern society? What does it symbolize for those
who are longing for recognition after a long time of suppression? With the help of Marxist
Criticism, it’s about time to discover a deeper meaning to “Do You Hear The People Sing?”
and it’s vital role to modern society.

BODY 1
Victor Hugo, in his novel “Les Miserables,” takes us back to the June Rebellion, also known
as the Paris Uprising of 1832 in a fictional manner during the scene wherein student rebels,
erupted to the streets of Paris during the funeral procession of General Lamarque, an
anti-monarchist and active critic of the French monarchy. He unexpectedly died from
cholera in an untimely manner, considering that fear was covering the whole of France
because of an impending economic instability and incredibility. This event in French
history inspired Victor Hugo to write “Les Miserables” that even the singing of this
everlasting song accompanies two scenes in the musical.

BODY 2
Yes, it’s that important—and it’s that relevant. In fact, the whole of Les Miserables is a call
for change, whether personally or socially. Looking at the lyrics of the song—it goes; “Do
you hear the people sing, singing a song of angry men? It is the music of a people who
will not be slaves again!” —Often, the lyrics reflect true events and true revolutions around
the globe. This song echoes in various parts of the world as a protest song, usually against
the actions of the government, as a reaction of a huge number of people. What do the
people symbolize in this song? In a Marxist approach, what do the people represent? The
title of the original French version—À la Volonté du Peuple"—actually translates to “To the
Will of the People” which signifies that during a time of change, different people in different
classes have the power to define their movement, and whatever movement that is, it must
be visibly heard by the incumbent leaders because it is the will of their people seeking for
change.
BODY 3
The same song echoed on the high streets of Hong Kong as early as 2014 when the
government had prepared a plan to impose reforms to the region’s electoral system which
was a restrictive and undemocratic decision. There were students, volunteers of different
movements, and mostly citizens who joined the months-long protest. In 2017, the spirit of
“Do You Hear The People Sing?” reached the Philippines at a time when the killing of drug
suspects (known as Extrajudicial Killings) was rampant under the term of former President
Rodrigo Duterte. The song was even translated to the Filipino language, and ever since, has
been used in different events in the country—like the closure of a media company, and the
controversial presidential elections in 2022. Different protests, same spirit. You would know
that it is a meaningful revolution when people of different statuses, classes, and positions
would unite as one as if they really mean it, and that their life is on the line. The way how
this song echoed to different corners of the world represents the everlasting longing of
people seeking for change—and what kind of people? —Those who are neglected by power
and politics; those who are forgotten because of poverty; those who are powerless because
of difference; those who are powerless because they don’t have money. Yet, the lyrics of the
song continues, “When the beating of your heart echoes the beating of the drums, there
is a life about to start when tomorrow comes!” Again, you would know that a revolution is
full of meaning and importance—vital in such manner—when people of different statuses
unite, and when this spirit reaches different parts of the world. Truly, a nation with a heart
would seek for change, and when that beating echoes to the world, it becomes a source of
inspiration and hope that there is new life in time.

RECOMMENDATIONS & TAKE AWAY

The Marxist Criticism gives this song a wider meaning, understanding the authentic goals
of a protest concerning the needs of a people. A society upholds its right to freedom of
protest, but it has factors on why this is also a responsibility. I propose that every time you
sing this song, you fulfill your role as a concerned citizen. You must hear the song of every
angry men. Remember that the reason for your cry is because of a sincere desire for
change for the betterment of everyone including the young, who are usually neglected
because some would assume that they do not have the competence or right to stand on
their own. Remember the poor who are forgotten because they have no money. In a world
where money is god and that it is considered the key to having a voice. Remember the
journalists and activists who have put their lives on the line just to make the reality known
to the people. They are suppressed and killed in the name of truth, justice, and love of the
country. Remember the women and children all over the world who humble themselves. In
a way, they teach us to have a heart and that the most important among the classes are the
most vulnerable. “Do You Hear The People Sing?” has bestowed on us an important
responsibility: “the right to be free.” Not all citizens of the modern society have the power
to this responsibility because of the different kinds of suppression, but they are relying on
your unfailing help. In the end, what brings us to peace and change is unity. When you
represent these people and raise their voices, you become a source of inspiration, and LIFE
will flourish today.