how society affects human nature

In Les Miserables, Victor Hugo portrays human nature in a neutral state. Humans are born with neither good nor bad instincts, but rather society affects our actions and our thoughts. Hugo portrays the neutral state of mind through Jean Valjean and Cosette. The two extremes of good and evil are represented through Thenardier and the bishop. Good and evil coexists in the society and affects Jean Valjean and Cosette. It is the two extremes of good and evil that dictates the lives of Jean Valjean and Cosette.
The bishop represents charity and love. Everything he's ever had, he gave to charity. When the bishop first met Jean Valjean, he said, "You need not tell me who you are. This is not my house; it is the house of Christ. It does not ask any comer whether he has a name, but whether he has an affliction. You are suffering; you are hungry and thirsty; be welcome. And do not thank me; do not tell me that I take you into my house. This is the home of no man, except him who needs ...