Final answer:
Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables' is set in early 19th-century France focusing on the June Rebellion of 1832. It integrates historical events into the plot, while its characters embody personal and societal struggles of the time, making the historical context central to the story's exploration of themes like justice and morality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The historical context behind Victor Hugo's Les Misérables is predominantly set in 19th-century France, particularly during the aftermath of the French Revolution. Despite the common misconception, the novel does not deal with the French Revolution of 1789 but instead focuses on the June Rebellion, or the Paris Uprising of 1832, a less known anti-monarchist insurrection by the city's student population. The novel provides a panoramic view of French society and delves into the lives of characters from various backgrounds. Hugo uses the historical setting of early 19th-century France to explore themes of law, morality, and social injustice.
In Les Misérables, historical events are woven seamlessly into the fictional narrative, grounding the story in a real historical period while the novel's iconic characters such as Jean Valjean, Cosette, and Javert, are all fictional. Hugo uses his characters to illustrate the human condition and to provide commentary on the societal changes happening in France. Hugo's deep dive into the conditions that fueled the revolutionary spirit of the time serves as a crucial backdrop, giving the audience an understanding of the struggle for justice and dignity faced by individuals during this turbulent era of French history.