Religion on Broadway

 

 

Religion is mainly evident here through Jean Valjean’s journey towards redemption for the crimes he committed in his younger years. We watch him flourish into a man worthy of respect and happiness as he plays a powerful role of both a father figure and friend. We see his true colours shine when given the opportunity to kill his lifelong enemy, but refrains from doing so; all in light of his new path towards redemption. Again, through the power of song, we feel his struggle right along with him. (Guyton, M. 2013)

 

We see through Jean Valjean’s story that we learn from our mistakes, and that we can find peace in that. From a religious point of view, we see this form of redemption present in many religious scriptures. It is through our mistakes that we learn and that a higher power will, in some way, forgive us. 

 

A more traditional sense of religion is also shown through the character of Javert. He believes more so that people are who they are and that they won’t change, as we see with his attitude toward Valjean. His presence is much less evangelical than Valjean. He sees God as unforgiving and that if he wouldn't break the law, then neither should we. Therefore, we must pay for our sins just as Jesus Christ did. Sin is a choice and we should not have the opportunity to be redeemed. (Guyton, M. 2013)

 

These two very contrasting religious themes in Les Miserables, through two very contrasting characters, show us how differently religion can be perceived within the same religious group; they lead to very different paths of life. It can alter your personality and how you treat others around you, even if you all technically follow “the same religion”. (Guyton, M. 2013)

 

Although Les Miserables has been well-known and performed for many, many years, it is still as relevant to understanding the different forms religions as it ever was. Since recently being made into a motion picture, the religious themes are presented once again, and still mean something to the viewers. With Jean Valjean as such a prominent character, it is near impossible to ignore the role religion plays in his life. As viewers, we see the potential to redeem oneself, and the underlying theme of hope and change. 

 

Javert's character performs a song, "Stars", that alludes to his faith and the role God plays in his life. He expresses that he is on a path of faith and righteousness. It speaks of "paying the price" and that those who have done wrong should not be accepted at Heaven's Gates until their price has been paid. He feels as though making them pay the price is his duty to God. As Guyton write, "Stars" is about "knowing your place in the sky. (Guyton, M. 2013) Once we know and understand the workings of God, we will be on the correct path towards salvation. This view point is very black and white. It does not tip-toe around breaking laws and committing crimes. If you habe performed these acts, you deserve the pay the price, just as Jesus Christ did on the cross. (Guyton, M. 2013)

 

Les Miserables, since being made into a motion picture, has gained even more popularity in recent years. We see a time set many years ago; a time we cannot quite understand due to its contrasting nature to the society have grown up in. This play shows the audience the role religion played back then, so that we may compare it to today's modern society. We see its importance through Javert's lifestyle, and through Valjean's journey towards redemption. We see that people can make mistakes and that it doesn't have to result in a life wasted. People can turn their lives around, and this play gives us hope that there are many others like Valjean out there trying to make peace and create a new and meaningful life for themselves. 

 

 

(HX264. 2010) Retrieved from YouTube