# Book V: The End of Which Does Not Resemble the Beginning explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/book-v-the-end-of-which-does-not-resemble-the-beginning
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters