# How Jean May Become Champ explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Javert confesses to Mayor Madeleine that he wrongfully accused him of being the convict Jean Valjean and insists on being dismissed from his post as punishment. Madeleine refuses, but Javert reveals that the real Jean Valjean has been arrested under the name Champmathieu and is about to be tried at Arras, forcing Madeleine to confront a moral crisis.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice vs. Law

Javert's rigid adherence to legal procedure clashes with the moral injustice of convicting an innocent man, while Madeleine faces the dilemma of revealing his true identity.

### Redemption and Transformation

Madeleine's transformation from convict to mayor is threatened by the impending trial, forcing him to consider sacrificing his new life for the truth.

### Mercy and Forgiveness

Madeleine shows mercy by refusing to dismiss Javert, while Javert's self-accusation reflects a harsh demand for justice without mercy.

## Character check-ins

### Jean Valjean

Present as Mayor Madeleine; learns that an innocent man, Champmathieu, is about to be convicted in his place.

### Javert

Confesses his wrongful suspicion of Madeleine and insists on being dismissed; reveals the Champmathieu case.

### Champmathieu

Mentioned as the man mistaken for Jean Valjean, about to be tried at Arras.

### Brevet

One of the convicts who identified Champmathieu as Jean Valjean.

### Chenildieu

Convict who identified Champmathieu as Jean Valjean.

### Cochepaille

Convict who identified Champmathieu as Jean Valjean.

## Key lines

> I have suspected you unjustly. That is nothing. It is our right to cherish suspicion, although suspicion directed above ourselves is an abuse. But without proofs, in a fit of rage, with the object of wreaking my vengeance, I have denounced you as a convict, you, a respectable man, a mayor, a magistrate! That is serious, very serious.

Javert admits he wrongly accused Mayor Madeleine of being a convict out of spite, acknowledging the gravity of his offense.

_Javert's confession highlights his internal conflict and rigid sense of duty._

> If one of my subordinates had done what I have done, I should have declared him unworthy of the service, and have expelled him. Well? Stop, Mr. Mayor; one word more. I have often been severe in the course of my life towards others. That is just. I have done well. Now, if I were not severe towards myself, all the justice that I have done would become injustice.

Javert argues that if he punishes others for similar faults, he must punish himself to remain just.

_Javert's logic reveals his uncompromising view of justice, applying equally to himself._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/ii-how-jean-may-become-champ
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