Les Misérables, v. 2/5: Cosette

"Les Misérables, v. 2/5: Cosette" by Victor Hugo is a novel written in the mid-19th century. This classic work delves into themes of justice, redemption, and social inequality in post-revolutionary France, following the lives of various characters, including the young Colette as she navigates a world filled with both suffering and hope. This volume focuses on her story and the connections she forms with other pivotal characters. The opening of the novel begins with a wayfarer traveling on a road between Nivelles and La Hulpe. The wayfarer observes the peaceful landscape, but his journey leads him to significant historical sites related to the Battle of Waterloo, notably the farm of Hougomont which became the center of fierce fighting. Through vivid descriptions, the text sets a somber tone that foreshadows the conflicts and struggles faced by characters in the narrative, blending historical events with Hugo's larger commentary on humanity and societal struggles. The wayfarer's exploration serves as a powerful reminder of the past's impact on the present, hinting at the tragic fates that await the characters in the unfolding narrative.