Worn out tools
[Javert] had lost his bearings. The law was no more than a broken stick in his hand. Victor Hugo – Les Miserables If you can… Read More »Worn out tools
VIctor Hugo
Who was Victor Hugo?
Part Jean Valjean, part Thénardier. “I want to destroy human inevitability; I condemn slavery, I chase out poverty, I instruct ignorance, I treat illness, I… Read More »Who was Victor Hugo?
Castles on Clouds
I’m a couple of chapters away from finishing Les Miserables,* thanks to the enthusiasm of a friend** and to Nick Senger’s excellent chapter-a-day read-along schedule.***… Read More »Castles on Clouds
Victor Hugo: two faces of political violence
They wanted an end to oppression, an end to tyranny, an end to strife, work for men, education for children, social goodwill towards women, liberty,… Read More »Victor Hugo: two faces of political violence
Victor Hugo on right, reality and the morality of the past
The July Revolution is the triumph of right in the overthrow of reality. A splendid thing. Right overthrowing reality. Hence the magnitude of the 1830… Read More »Victor Hugo on right, reality and the morality of the past
On Jean Valjean’s carriage, technological progress and interchangeable parts
Jean Valjean – in a desperate hurry to save an innocent man from being condemned – has stopped to rest his horse and discovered that… Read More »On Jean Valjean’s carriage, technological progress and interchangeable parts