In Les Misérables, the number 24601 is the prisoner number assigned to the main character, Jean Valjean. This number is significant because it represents his identity as a convict and the hardships he endured during his 19 years of imprisonment for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s starving family.
Throughout the story, the number 24601 serves as a symbol of Valjean’s past and his struggle for redemption. It is a constant reminder of the societal judgment and the stigma attached to his criminal history. Despite his efforts to reform and lead a virtuous life, the number follows him, symbolizing the inescapable nature of his past.
Jean Valjean’s journey is one of transformation and redemption, and the number 24601 is a crucial element in understanding his character and the themes of justice, mercy, and forgiveness in Les Misérables.