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Why is this book considered great? The plot is pretty good, but the prose is nothing special. The author spends half the book writing essays and trying to make quips, not seeming to realize the whole point of a novel is you can express your ideas through the story.
And when Hugo does attempt to use characters to explain ideas, it doesn't work. I would feel bad for Fantine, except at that age she should have realized that sex causes pregnancy. No one is responsible for having a child out of wedlock, and all the pain that brings her, except herself. For Jean, he seems to make the point that the criminal justice system, only turns men into criminals. However, Hugo conveniently ignores the existence of sociopaths or anyone else who would choose to ignore rehabilitation in prison. Additionally, Jean actually does resist being a criminal, and even becomes saintly, despite almost everyone treating him like shit when they know his background.
It seems like the supporters of this book are just people that read for the plot, or those whose political beliefs are supported by it.
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>>8770684
I believe you're projecting your own idea of what a novel should be into a classic, and since It's right up there with what you'd like it to be, you dismiss it with pointless arguments.
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>>8770812
>It's right
>It's not right
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>>8770684
>the whole point of a novel is you can express your ideas through the story.
lel top pleb. i bet you think food's purpose is mouth pleasure too.
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>but the prose is nothing special
Unless you've read it in it's original french, you're not in a position to make this criticism.
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>>8770989
I read it in English by Christine Donougher. Have you read it in French? If so, please describe how it's different.
One of the worst parts of his writing to me was the constant one line quips. They were just lame, weren't witty. There were actually some times I thought the prose was good but often it was ordinary.
>>8770829
If he wanted to write an essay, he should've written one. Or would you go to see a movie that was nothing but a scrolling line of text?
>>8770812
Why is it a classic?
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