The contrast between light and darkness is a major component of Hugo's literary and artistic creations. Although many authors have mentioned and analyzed the use of such device in their study of Hugo's work, none have established a clear and complete study of that specific theme in Les Miserables. This article describes the use of light and darkness in Jean Valjean's story in order to show how the author used the chiaroscuro theme to help in the creation of realistic scenes in a complex narration, the describe emotions, to analyze the relationship between humans and God, and finally to expose his social and revolutionary ideas concerning the society of his time.