In Victor Hugo’s ‘Les Misérables’, the colors red and black hold significant symbolic meaning, reflecting the overarching themes of revolution and social struggle.
Red symbolizes passion, revolution, and the fight for justice. Throughout the novel, red is associated with the revolutionary spirit of the characters, particularly during the June Rebellion of 1832. It represents the bloodshed and sacrifice of those who fought for a better society. The color ignites the spirit of hope and change, emphasizing the intensity of the characters’ emotions and their yearning for freedom.
On the other hand, black represents despair, death, and the oppressive nature of society. It often embodies the hardship faced by the working class and those who struggle under the yoke of injustice. Black is a stark contrast to red, revealing the somber realities of life for many characters in the novel, particularly in their fight against poverty and in their personal tragedies.
Combining these colors, Hugo paints a vivid picture of the social landscape of 19th-century France. The interplay of red and black serves to highlight the duality of hope and despair, encapsulating the essence of the human experience as portrayed in ‘Les Misérables’.