Thus far, Les Miserables has presented a dynamic that is fascinating, if tragic, to watch unfold.
It is very clear while watching things play out that those who hold the power set all of the rules. As such, it is unnecessary within the hierarchy for those who hold the power to consider those below them when communicating their messages which creates a tragic chain of events.
For example, Valjean has to steal and lie his way to the top of the social hierarchy. Once he has a high social status, he commands the foreman to deal with a situation at the factory where Fantine works, which leads to the foreman to fire Fantine, which would could argue is the real beginning of Fantine's trouble. Had Valjean considered the dynamics of the social situation instead of just using the social hierarchy to hand down commands, Fantine may have remained employed at the factory and not been forced to sell her daughter's locket, her hair and her body for survival.
Yes, Valjean comes to her rescue, but one could argue that he is simply addressing the problems of his own oversight. While commendable, he could have avoided the whole situation had he handled the situation at the factory differently.
I am interested in watching everything else unfold.
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ReplyDeleteI agree that when you automatically place that hierarchy on a conversation, not every moral or idea is expressed thoroughly. It does turn into a chain of events and not necessarily one with great endings. I think Jean does what he can to consider the situations laid in front of him as mayor, I think the head of the factory was more so responsible for Fantine being fired. Well more so because of the background chatter of her co-workers using deception behind their intended message to her boss. Lack of communication on the bosses side was part of the problem.
ReplyDeleteI think the chain of events as you discussed focuses on the consequence and lack of effective moral communication. I think partly due to social class and gender was a key role in understanding thoroughly one persons ethics of a situation. I think if that was taken out of the mix, the value of conversations and consequence could potentially lead to a more positive outcome to all involved.
I do believe that it is the lack of communication between Valjean and his male worker in the factory that caused this problem. If he strictly commanded his male worker to not mess with the female workers and for his female workers to be respectful in the work place, Fantine would not be bothered by other workers.
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