Les Miserables

Les Misérables

Genre:

Musical/Melodrama

* Les Misérables is a musical theatre. It is based on a novel by Victor Hugo. The musical is done by Claude-Michel Schönberg. The musical itself is an absolute melodrama because it uses stereotypical characters who are encompassed by serious situations. These situations are situations of suspense and hate. During the play, one is constantly engaged in each scene. A very suspense aspect of this play is the fact that it is difficult to tell who the antagonist is. This very aspect alone forces the viewer to be more engaged, and pay attention to every scene.

Dynamics

* Attending the play was interesting as well. Knowing that the play takes place in the early 1800’s, the choice of theater was interesting. The theater was the Eccles theater at the University of Utah. This is a very modern theater. I think they could have chosen a better atmosphere to better present the play and provide a better understanding and involvement in the play.

Character

Protagonist

* As stated above, it is very difficult to determine the main protagonist in this play. The two main personages (characters) both stand for good. The first, Jean Valjean was released from prison after serving for 19 years. He decides to break his parole and turn his life around to prove that the corrupt can become virtuous once more. During the play he strives to perform kind and charitable acts to others, ultimately portraying himself as the main protagonist. However Inspector Javert is the inspector who pursues Valjean during the musical. Javert respects the law above all else. He hopes to bring the escaped convict (Valjean) to justice, which could illustrate him as the antagonist who stands up for justice and good. However, as the musical progresses, one understands that Javert could ultimately be considered the antagonist because he believes that it is impossible for humans to change for the better, and as he constantly doubts...