Love is one of the fundamental principles of humanity. It is what unites humans as a people and is vital to society. As such, he has influenced the world in countless ways, one of which is through literature. Les Miserables tells the story of Jean Valjean, a convicted criminal who must escape his past and reclaim his humanity in a world gripped by poverty and oppression. Although he faces many obstacles, he ultimately redeems himself through the love of those around him, and for the first time in years, he is able to reciprocate that love. In Victor Hugo's classic French novel, Les Misérables, several themes appear, but none are as influential as love, be it religious, romantic, or parental. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Jean Valjean's life was first changed by religious and spiritual love. When he entered the city of Digne, no one accepted him into their homes due to his criminal past. For hours he wandered around the city, looking for a place to spend the night until the bishop welcomed him. While this alone was significant, the bishop did not stop there. His love was repeated soon after Jean Valjean attempted to rob him of his silver. Instead of allowing him to be thrown back into the galleys, the Bishop quickly forgave him, even going so far as to allow him to keep the silverware. Although Jean Valjean left Digne shortly thereafter, he never forgot the love the bishop had shown him. In fact, this love is what led to his redemption. As the Bishop says to Jean Valjean: “My brother; you no longer belong to evil, but to good. It's your soul I'm buying for you. I withdraw it from dark thoughts and the spirit of perdition and give it to God” (Hugo 33). Spiritual love is so powerful that it has the ability to save a man's soul, as seen in the relationship between Jean Valjean and the bishop. Another variety of love that has a great impact on the story is parental love. An example of this is the relationship between Jean Valjean and Cosette. Although Jean Valjean is not Cosette's real father, the two form a strong bond after the death of Cosette's real mother. This bond is so strong that it allows both to love each other; extremely significant, as they both had exceptionally dark and difficult pasts. Shortly after Jean Valjean saves Cosette, it is said that “Something new was entering her soul. Jean Valjean had never loved anything… but… when he saw Cosette… his heart was moved” (Hugo 123). Cosette also has this dramatic change; “Cosette also unconsciously underwent a change… she had tried to love, and yet… she had failed to do so… and so all she thought and felt in her began to love this kind old friend” (Hugo 124). This love between them, while notable in itself, is capable of producing many great things later in the story. Yet another type of love that impacts the story is romantic, and the main relationship containing this love is between Marius and Cosette. The two glimpse each other during their daily walks in the park, and those simple glances are enough to make them fall deeply in love. In fact, before Cosette even knows Marius' name, it is stated that "[Cosette] had always loved [Marius], had always adored him" (Hugo 265). However, this deep love doesn't stop there. Marius and Cosette come from radical social classes, with vastly different pasts. This alone should be enough to keep them from getting married, yet their relationship is made even more impossible by the fact that their parents don't approve. Despite all this, the two fight against every.