Les Miserables

We witnessed the "Les Miserables" musical at Curran theater in San Francisco. The theater is beautiful and artistic. The orchestra was fantastic and the music got under my skin. But the story of Jean Valjean is what steals your heart. Les Miserables is a rather sad story. Written by Victor Hugo, it is what some may call a tragedy. It starts with his release from prison after 19 years imprisonment for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's son. A free Jean is given good food and refuge by a kind priest in a church. As a token of gratitude, he steals silver candlesticks from the church and sneaks out by night. He is captured by police officials and brought back in front of the father. To his amazement, the father gives him two more candlesticks and says that he forgot to take all the gifts he had given him. This, the famous "silver candlesticks" episode, is Jean Valjean's first encounter with kindness and brethren love. No one has ever shown him mercy before. He wonders why the father did what he did. Jean Valjean sees everything in a new light and is a changed man.

The story then moves to how he saves innocent Fantine and brings up her child Cosette as his own daughter. He transforms completely into a noble and forgiving man. Even during the troubled times of the French revolution, Jean remains a man of honour and mercy. His rival Javert eventually realizes Jean's benevolence as well. The story ends with Cosette and Marius's union after which Valjean passes on to join Fantine in everlasting peace.

It is amazing what one act of kindness and compassion can do to change a person's life. Revenge and frustration will rarely lead to anything good. If you ever have a chance to give love or forgiveness, take the opportunity. There's nothing to lose and everything to gain.