In Les Miserables, Myriel, the bishop, is a simple man even though he has the luxury of living a more lavish lifestyle. Myriel gains the trust of many of his of the poor people in his area. Among them, he develops a nickname that directly symbolizes what he represents to the poor men and women of his area. Literally, this nickname is “Bienvenu” which means “welcome.” This is accurate because he welcomes all to his help and support regardless of financial gain or status. Figuratively, this “symbol” that represents Myriel explains to the audience about the effect he has on the patients next door in the “hospital” and the parishioners. They explained that “they never call him anything except Monseigneur Bienvenu [Welcome]” (26). Holding him to such a high position really is supported throughout the first book because Myriel is never mentioned by his real name ever again. Bienvenu has such a warm soul that he admits that he ‘’‘weeps for all’ said the Bishop,’’(58) when he was explaining his position on the poor and confronted with difficult questions. Even though his nickname is not a tangible symbol, it symbolizes his placement in society and respect as a bishop.
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