Victor Hugo uses Valjean to express his own ideas about France at that time

I am doing an essay about why Jean Valjean is an important character. I said that he is important because Hugo uses him to depict his own ideas about France's political state and etc. But does anyone know of any articles or something that can support this?
Thanks in advance...
THIS IS URGENT BTW

:idea: I also want to do it.
Who can give me some advice?Thanks!

I don't know of any specific articles, but it might help you to do some research regarding Hugo's life history, viewpoints, etc., and then draw connections in your essay between Valjean's circumstances and Hugo's beliefs.