The Change in the Convict at the End of the Play "The Bishop's Candlesticks" and Its Valuable Moral Lesson

The play "The Bishop's Candlesticks" by Victor Hugo revolves around the story of a convict who breaks into a bishop's house and steals his silver candlesticks. However, the convict's life takes a transformative turn when the bishop shows him kindness and forgiveness. At the end of the play, we witness a significant change in the convict's character, which imparts a valuable moral lesson.

The Transformation of the Convict
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1. The Convict's Initial State:
- The convict is portrayed as a desperate and disillusioned individual who has lost faith in humanity due to his difficult circumstances.
- He resorts to theft as a means to survive and is prepared to go to any extent to secure his own well-being.

2. Encounter with the Bishop:
- The convict's life takes an unexpected turn when he breaks into the bishop's home and attempts to steal his silver candlesticks.
- Instead of condemning or punishing him, the bishop treats him with compassion, offering him food, shelter, and forgiveness.

3. The Bishop's Act of Kindness:
- The bishop's act of kindness and forgiveness touches the convict's heart.
- He realizes that there is still goodness and compassion in the world, which he had previously lost sight of.
- The convict feels a deep sense of gratitude towards the bishop and experiences a change of heart.

4. Redemption and Transformation:
- The convict's encounter with the bishop becomes a turning point in his life.
- He resolves to change his ways and seeks redemption for his past actions.
- The convict decides to return the stolen candlesticks to the bishop, symbolizing his desire to repent and make amends.

The Valuable Moral Lesson
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The change we notice in the convict at the end of the play "The Bishop's Candlesticks" teaches us a valuable moral lesson about the power of compassion, forgiveness, and redemption.

1. The Importance of Kindness:
- The bishop's act of kindness towards the convict highlights the impact a compassionate gesture can have on a person's life.
- It serves as a reminder that even the most broken individuals can be transformed through empathy and understanding.

2. The Power of Forgiveness:
- The convict experiences a profound change after being shown forgiveness by the bishop.
- This emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness and its ability to inspire individuals to seek redemption and make positive changes in their lives.

3. The Capacity for Change:
- The play also teaches us that no one is beyond redemption.
- The convict's transformation demonstrates that individuals have the capacity to change their ways and choose a path of righteousness, even after committing grave mistakes.

4. The Ripple Effect of Goodness:
- The bishop's act of kindness not only impacts the convict but also inspires others, including the audience, to reflect on their own actions and the power they hold to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

In conclusion, the change we witness in the convict at the end of the play "The Bishop's Candlesticks" teaches us valuable moral lessons about the importance of kindness, forgiveness, and the capacity for change. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, acts of compassion can ignite transformation and inspire individuals to seek redemption and make amends.