Les Misérables · Chapter
Book V: The End of Which Does Not Resemble the Beginning explained
This chapter follows Jean Valjean's life after he becomes Mayor Madeleine, focusing on his internal struggle between his past as a convict and his present as a respected public figure.
What happens
This chapter follows Jean Valjean's life after he becomes Mayor Madeleine, focusing on his internal struggle between his past as a convict and his present as a respected public figure. It explores his acts of kindness and justice in Montreuil-sur-Mer, his growing fear of being discovered, and the moral dilemmas he faces as he tries to reconcile his two identities.
Themes in this chapter
Redemption and Transformation
Valjean's efforts to reinvent himself as a benevolent mayor highlight the possibility of personal change, yet his past continually threatens to undermine his new life.
Justice vs. Law
The tension between Valjean's moral justice and Javert's strict legalism is central, as Valjean's acts of mercy conflict with the unforgiving legal system.
Characters to notice
- Jean Valjean
Struggles with his dual identity as Mayor Madeleine and former convict, grappling with fear of exposure and desire to do good.
- Javert
Obsessively investigates the identity of Mayor Madeleine, suspecting him of being Jean Valjean.
- Fantine
Though not directly present, her plight and Valjean's compassion for her are referenced as part of his moral transformation.
Key passages
“The end of which does not resemble the beginning.”
The conclusion of this chapter is markedly different from its start, reflecting Valjean's profound internal change.
This phrase encapsulates the theme of transformation, as Valjean's journey from convict to mayor represents a stark contrast between his past and present.