Jayaraman S

Victor Hugo's "Les miserables" is unique world class classic as it seems only one of its kind . I, wonder, it can't merely be a novel but an epic or encyclopedia and it suits all forms of literature. Everything dealt with in it presents a grand spectacle that undoubtedly enchants the readers to the realms of amazement. Obviously, it is a storehouse of varied disciplines such as history, politics, art and architecture, culture and traditions, war in Waterloo and civil war in Paris, shadow world of robbers and kings such as Louis Philippe in flesh and blood, law and justice, nature and beauty, under the greater Paris there is a replica of another Paris (underground sewage system) and so on. The essential virtues such as love, kindness and forgiveness run throughout the story and the same should be showered on mankind stands the theme of the story. The Characters Jean Valjean, Javert and Thennadier are very much alive and all three are very much miserables in their respective way of life. The scenes such as robbing the dead and wounded in the battle field, odyssey through filthy underground sewers and organizing civil war to restore progress are ever memorable. The Characters Cossette and Marius are the strength of Jean Valjean and weakness too. The book also makes the following revelations: 1) It seems to be the source of the story "The Bishop and the Candlesticks" 2) The book should have prompted the modern film makers to make their protagonists or antagonists to undertake ordeal of escapades through the underground sewage system. 3) An old Tamil movie "Ezhai Padum Paadu" (1950) was based on the story "Les Miserables ". Chiitur V. Nagaiah played the role of Jean Valjean and Javer Seetharaman played the role of Javert so excellently that the title stuck to his name and thenceforth he was popularly known as Javer Seetharaman. 4) The great Russian writer Leo Tolstoy read this book of its German translation.

The film was made based on the french novel 'Les Miserables ' by the great french writer Victor Hugo. The core of the theme that love and sympathy to be shown to the needy even in one's adversities. The roles played by Chittur V. Nagaiah as Jean Valjean, Javer Seetharaman as Javert and Padmini as Cossette made Hugo's novel of its universal identity and validity.

Leo Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina" is doubtlessly a masterpiece of classical literature. The novel depicts three parallel stories perfectly merged together. Seeking for true and honest love by the prominent characters is portrayed throughout the novel. Anna karenina becomes the victim in the pursuit of truth and honesty in love, which drags her into unethical mire that engulfs her. The second story which is well intertwined with the main story is about Stephen Arcadiavich Oblonsky the brother and the male counterpart part of Anna. Stephen is portrayed as a profligate who remains dishonest and unfaithful to his wife Dolly who has broad heart to forgive her pleasure loving but irresponsible husband. The third story is about Lavin and Kitty. Lavin's love for Kitty is true, honest and remains unchanged. Kitty, though she loved Vroansky who disappointed her, loves Lavin honestly. They lead a happy married life. As for Anna, she was married to Alexie Aexadriovich Karenin who is 20 years older to Anna. Mr. Karenin is known for his social obligations, an able administrator but self-preservant. It is unfortunate for Anna to meet Vronsky at the station and at the theater. Her extraordinary beauty captivated Vronsky, hence his idea of love changes from Kitty to Anna. His relentless pursuit of Anna made her yield to him totally. In her emotioal and passanate love for Vronsky makes her forget her son and husband. She has become shameless to the extent that she carries Vronsky 's baby and elopes with him to Italy. It is clear that Anna's love changes from her husband to her son, from her son to Vronsky and from Vronsky finally to Levin. As for Vronsky, his initial infatuation for Anna becomes a true love. But he hardly realizes that his conjugal love towards Anna is illegal and unethical. His madness costs him a tremendous progress in army. Regarding Alexei Alexandrovitch Karanin, he is more devoted to his duties than his wife and son. Despite his warning, Anna invites Vronsky to her home. In spite her disobedience, he is tolerant and after her death, Mr. Karanin takes Vronsky 's baby girl so as to bring her up as his own child. The author also presents a vivid picture of bird hunting and the then prevailing concept of socialism which is discussed at length by Lavin and the same is tested in his lands with the working peasants. Rating the novel 'a masterpiece ' will never undermine nor lessen its true value and worth.

Leo Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace" more or less presents a true account of Nepoleonic wars with Russia. Nepoleon was known for his military exploits and warfare strategies which enabled him to win many wars with success. However, his ambitious invasion into Russia ended in a pathetic retreat with a loss of five lakh and more soldiers. His army advanced very easily upto Mascow by wasting his resources despite less resistance by the Russian troops. French army reached Moscow with great hope to avail the resources but to their dismay the city had been completely vacated by the citizens after burning the city and destroying the resources. Nepoleon totally lost control over his soldiers as they became thieves when they started looting the valuables left over by the citizens. As the days passed, he was in crisis for everything. But the Russian army led by General Kutusov was strategic as it was continuously retreating deep into their territory. Nepoleon, realizing late of unfriendly Russian soil and climate, grew panic. Hence, he voluntarily made calls for peace talks with Russian authorities and was in waiting. But the tzar turned down the talk proposal which made Nepoleon return with remaining soldiers and looted wealth and also with war prisoners. But the returning was not as smooth as the entry. The retreating army was constantly attacked by fierce cossacks of Russian cavalry forces and thereby reducing the French army. French soldiers also died due to muddy soil under snow and starvation which made them eat horse flesh. Nepoleon ran fast desperately ignoring his army so as to cross Russian territory lest he should be captured as war prisoner. The novel also presents an imaginary account of a story with many number of characters mostly the aristocratic set up in their social gatherings and get togethers with discussions on social or political matters pertaining to war. The social craze for speaking French was regarded a social status. The intrigues and nepotism to achieve great positions in army and government was well exposed by the author. The book also highlights the moral and spiritual growth of the protagonist Pierre Bezukhov. Prnce Andrews' heroic death, Prince Vasily's greed, Natasha's romance, illness and contented family life with Pierre, fox hunting by peasants and freemason spiritual society are memorable events in the story which is perfectly merged with a realistic war history.