# Book IV: Javert Derailed explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Javert, having been released by Jean Valjean during the barricade, grapples with the moral crisis of being shown mercy by a man he has relentlessly pursued. Unable to reconcile his rigid worldview with Valjean's compassion, Javert ultimately takes his own life by throwing himself into the Seine.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mercy and Forgiveness

Valjean's decision to release Javert exemplifies radical mercy, which shatters Javert's black-and-white moral code.

### Justice vs. Law

Javert's suicide reflects the collapse of his belief that law and justice are identical, as he cannot accept a higher moral law of compassion.

## Character check-ins

### Javert

Javert is released by Valjean and experiences a profound internal conflict, leading to his suicide.

### Jean Valjean

Valjean spares Javert's life at the barricade, an act of mercy that precipitates Javert's crisis.

## Key lines

> Javert, having been released by Jean Valjean during the barricade, grapples with the moral crisis of being shown mercy by a man he has relentlessly pursued.

After Valjean frees him at the barricade, Javert struggles with the ethical turmoil of receiving compassion from his lifelong quarry.

_Summarizes Javert's pivotal internal conflict._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-iv-javert-derailed
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters