The Loaf of Bread
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The loaf of bread symbolizes the beginning of JVJ's difficult journey and set up how his life played out completely. When JVJ was only trying to help his family so they didn't die, he was obliged to steal a loaf of bread so that he could feed them but while doing so, he was caught and was put in jail for this crime.
Silver Candlesticks
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The silver candlesticks represent forgiveness and being accepted. Jean Valjean receives the candlesticks from the bishop who he sins against and comes close to killing. After the bishop knows of all his mistakes, he gives JVJ the candlesticks to show that he forgives him and he wants him to become a better person.
The "ugly" Tree
The ugly tree symbolizes Jean Valjean being alone and by himself surrounded by almost nothing. Jean Valjean is considered the ugly tree because to everyone else, he actually is ugly and to society he is a disgrace. While the ugly tree is described, it links to him because it is alone and has nothing or no one around it.
The Yellow Passport
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The yellow passport symbolizes Jean Valjean being affected by social injustice. When he tries to find a place to stay he can't because everyone wants to see his passport and when he refuses to show it, they find out who he is through other sources and he is kicked out to go find somewhere else to stay. This happens several times throughout the story and is always continuing. Therefore, it represents Jean Valjean being treated socially injust.