Archetypal Approach

Les Miserables
Archetypal Criticism

by Ana Marie Gonzales

Why numbers that are being used of a prisoner during the French time?

Each number has different meaning as I have researched about it. Numbers can be a real- code cracker of our life experienced. This means that a number that are being used in the movie as the code name of prisoners played a big role, because it could be a reflection of a experiences in life. As I have researched the numbers 1-7 and its spiritual meaning goes like this. Zero is a powerful number which brings great transformation change, sometimes occurring in a profound manner. Number one represents a single entity. Number two is symbolizing a sin and conflict. Number three it is a Triad being the number of the whole as it contains the beginning, a middle and an end. Number four which means is illusion. Number five is form as a human being. Number Six represents equilibrium, harmony and balance, and number seven is the center of the spiral is humanity's. This seven numbers represents the whole appearances of human being had.

Why a piece of paper is always present in the movie?

A parole paper

The symbolism of a paper is a means of communication, because during the French time there is no telephone or cellphone. They communicate with each other by the use of a paper. They write what they want to say and express their feelings with one another. Paper could symbolize a trust of a person. Once it was crumpled it will never go back to its normal texture.

Why silver not gold?

I have gone through a deep researched about it and then I found out that silver have different meaning. Silver is a symbol of purity, clarity, awareness, focus, femininity, persistence, vision and strength. I think that silver is one of the symbolism that are present in the movie, because all the meaning of a silver can reflect to the characteristics of a person. This could be more relevant to the human personification. It could be the emotions and feelings of a person towards other people.

Why wood is present in the movie?

A log used as pole for the French flag.

I have noticed that wood is one of the symbol that is being present in the movie. My own understanding of a wood is that a piece of wood could be seeking a new challenge in life and adventure. In the movie, Jan Val jean could carry a huge wood. This represents how a person could face the challenges in his/her life.

Why Jan Val Jean give Cosette a doll not flowers or everything?

Cosette with her doll

In the movie I have noticed that Cosette is playing with a stinky doll that she made when she was on the Thenundiers or the Innkeepers. Doll could bring happiness to a child. This means that a doll represents how beautiful a young lady. They will imagine how girls look like if they dressed formally. It reflects their feminism on a certain things.

Why crucifix is one of the symbols in the movie?

Crucifix as one of the symbols of Christianity

Christianity is already present during the French time. In Christian teachings the crucifix is a powerful symbol that represents the focal point of the beliefs. That Jesus died on the cross to redeem humanity and sacramental or a sacred sign. In my own understanding as a Roman Catholic, crucifix is playing a big role in Christian community, because it shows how Jesus saves the whole humanity. It reflects the faith as a catholic.

Handkerchief is one of the symbol, why handkerchief?

In the movie characters used handkerchief to wipe dirt or something unpleasant in the clothes of other person. It could wipe the tears of others. Wiping the tears of other person could help them to cast all their burdens in life.

Golden ring

In the movie the gold ring is used by Marious. I have understood what the meaning of a gold ring is. During the French time it symbolizes that they are one of the prominent families when they had a golden ring. I have researched about it, golden ring could also be symbolizes as power, eternity and dignity.

Red flag

The red flag symbolizes a revolution or war. It could be a signal of a danger that may come. It could be a bloody war and sacrifices of many lives. Red flag also could be a warning sign that there is a problem that should be noticed or dealt with.

Candles/candles stand

The light of a candle can be our company along the darkness. This will penetrate the darkness along the path that we are into. It moves with incredible velocity, and it nourishes life against all odds. Candle also known as our measurement in life.

Rain

Rain symbolizes the water of life. My deep understanding of rain, it nourishes our souls and it gives us strength. Every drop of rain forms everything until the torrid downpour of it. It can compare to the feelings of a person like overflowing feelings or love towards other.

Hair

Fantene's gorgeous look with her
long hair

The hair symbolizes the femininity, identity, freedom and beauty. It personified also as a crowning glory of a woman. It attracts the identity of a woman. In our society we are familiar of the different religion like Pentecostal, because in their own belief if they cut their hair they will suffer a very huge problem. Therefore the hairs have a deep meaning that was beyond our knowledge and beliefs.

Eyeglass

The symbol of the eyeglass signifies or need more clarity in many different contexts and concept in life. We wander sometimes why we need to wear an eyeglass? Then we found out it could compare to the feelings of frustration and helplessness. In life there are times that we need to understand more on something, like an eyeglass. It aids us to see more clearly and takes action to comprehend our situation better.

Eyes

I have researched about what is the meaning of the eye. Then I found out that eyes are the vision, focus, observation, intelligence, opening and awareness. In this context I somehow understand the meaning of eye. Some people define eye as the opening window to the soul and I believe in it. When I look to someone eyes, I can identify the person felling or emotion either she is happy or not. The eyes could signify the understanding because the sight of the body corresponds to the sight of its spirit.

Teeth/tooth

My interpretation of what is the meaning of the teeth in spiritual aspect. The teeth/tooth is the interior intelligent of a person. Teeth can grind food which is nourish the body, therefore it also grind knowledge, wisdom and intelligence which is will nourish the soul of a person. It fills an empty body to become an active and positive one.

Hat

We all know that hat is a headgear and can protect our head. We belonged in a different family this could be in conjunction on how we protect and love them. We can protect them in many ways just like a hat. It has many design and color. Therefore we could love them as many ways as we can and prove to them that they are important.

Jean Valjean wearing a 'long hat.'

Javert wearing a 'tricorne.'