Jungian archetypes in Les Misérables and young male psychotherapy

Jungian Archetypes and Jean Valjean in Hugo's Les Miserables

"The Misery of a child is interesting to a mother, the misery of a young man is interesting to a young woman, the misery of an old man is interesting to nobody" (Bischoff, 2005, p. 1).

The purpose of this study will be to examine the Jungian archetypes found in the characters of Valjean and Javert in Hugo's 1862 novel Les Miserables with the purpose of gaining insight that can be used for psychotherapists working with the young male population. The study will use a hermeneutic research methodology to dissect the circumstances events and phenomenon that led to the actions of the characters. By examining these characters and their psyche, the study will develop a method that can be applied to the interpretation and analysis of the situations presented by young male patients seeking psychotherapy. At the present time, the central concept of the research is the development of methods for understanding young male patients using Jungian archetypes as the basis for this analysis. This research will lead to the development of better assessment methods to address the needs of young male patients.

Introduction

Background of the Problem

The purpose of Jungian therapy and psychoanalysis is to help the individual achieve individuation and self-realization. The goal for the patient is to help them along their journey to realize their place in the world. Jungian therapy depends on the ability to reconcile and integrate a number of forces that act on the person. These forces include traits and attitudes that may be beyond the scope of certain persons. In order to achieve individuation and growth, the person must come to terms with the unconscious archetypes and archetypical processes that must be reconciled (James and Gillaland, n.d. p. 3 ). Jungian therapy involves bringing these processes into the conscious mind so that they can be addressed in therapy. Some of the more common means of doing this are to use dream work and art to make the person aware of the archetypes in their lives and how they affect them.

Les Miserables contains many Jungian archetypes. People identify with the characters in Les Miserables because they see parts of the characters in themselves. Young males live in a world that may seem incomprehensible to many, particularly themselves. This research proposes that the Jungian analysis and therapy may help these young males to identify the processes that are influencing their lives, thus providing them clues to help them heal and grow through their experiences.

The character, Jean Valjean is the protagonist in Hugo's 1862 novel. The character's 20-year long conflict with the law for stealing bread during a time of poverty and depression forms the central theme of the novel. The antagonist is the police inspector Javert, who pursues him throughout the novel. In Fantine, Hugo uses the archetype of darkness/hatred/evil through his descriptions of the dark and dreary galleys. The galleys represent the darkness in Jean Valjean's life. Light imagery in the book stands for the good/righteousness. Valjean's struggle between a life of crime and heroic events of goodness represent the struggle between dark and light.

The struggle between dark and light may be familiar to young males, as they try to do what it right by obeying the structure that society imposes on them. Many young males may identify with the struggle between light and darkness that exists in Valjean's soul (Blix, 2007, p. 40). Like Valjean, Javert also has a dark side, one that is hidden in his distant past. He was born in a prison and feels that he must take on the role of defender of society's norms in order to justify and reconcile his dark past. Understanding the archetypes in Hugo's Les Miserables can help psychotherapists to unlock the hidden secrets in the young male patients that they encounter.

Statement of the Research Problem

This research focuses on the study of Jungian archetypes through the analysis of several characters in Hugo's Les Miserables. The problem to be studies involves the development of better assessment and treatment methods for young male patients. Understanding the young male mind becomes difficult as one strays farther in years from their own experiences during this difficult time in their lives. The characters in Les Miserables may provide the therapist with a starting point in discovering ways to unlock the mysteries of the young adult male mind. Once unlocked strategies and techniques can be applied that can help the young male to resolve the internal conflicts that plague him and help him to continue the path to individuation.

The research question to be addressed by this study is, "What elements of Jungian archetypes necessary for the development of healthy, individuated males can be found in the characters of Valjean and Javert in Les Miserables?" A second research question must accompany this one in order to make the study useful in modern application. The secondary research question is, "How can this information be used to help therapists understand and treat their young male patient?"

Resolution of these questions will help to further the development of techniques for analyzing the needs, psychological composition, and treatment protocols that are necessary in the treatment of young adult males. This research will contribute to the field of psychology at large, as it will focus on an often elusive group of patients. It will provide therapists with valuable tools for helping this group of patients with very special needs.