Final answer:
Jean Valjean steals from a baker out of desperation and hunger, after being unable to find work upon his release from prison. This act plays a significant role in his redemption story throughout the novel 'Les Misérables'.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the novel Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, the character Jean Valjean is forced to resort to theft due to his circumstances and his inability to find employment after being released from prison. His robbery of the baker, specifically the act of stealing a loaf of bread, is prompted by desperation and hunger. But it's worth noting that this act also becomes the driving force for his redemption throughout the story, as he wrestles with his past actions and seeks to make amends.
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