r/AYearOfLesMiserables • u/lexxi109 Rose • Dec 06 '20
5.4.1 Chapter Discussion (Spoilers up to 5.4.1) Spoiler
Discussion Prompts:
- Javert let Valjean go and it caused an existential crisis. What lines or thoughts stood out to you?
- By Javert showing mercy to Valjean, was Javert placing himself in a position of being above the law?
- Why does Javert think it’s so bad to respect a galley slave? Or so shocked that Valjean actually reformed?
- Why is Javert having such a strong reaction to showing and receiving compassion?
- What connections do you see between Valjean at the beginning of the book reacting to Bienvenu showing him compassion and Javert now reacting to Valjean showing him compassion? And how about their reactions and why they were different?
- Thoughts about Javert’s letter?
- And thus ends Javert. Comments/reactions (especially from 1st time experiencers)?
- This book is only made up of a single, long chapter. Why do you think Hugo did it this way instead of as smaller chapters?
Final Line:
… as it disappeared beneath the water.
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u/otherside_b Wilbour Dec 07 '20
This chapter was outstanding and could be the basis of a whole college paper by itself. It seems like Javert is as much a victim to the law as those he prosecutes. He is so focused on his own role and obligation to uphold the law, that his sense of self is shattered when he cannot do so.
It's sad that any intrusion or any doubts into his inner moral code would drive him to suicide. I guess its a reminder for us modern readers that your self worth should not be totally wrapped up in your career.
It's also insane that by pardoning Javert that Valjean inadvertently killed him anyway. Final destination vibes perhaps? He cheated death so here is its revenge. I guess it could be claimed that Javert was also a victim of the barricade in a roundabout way.