Les Misérables · Chapter
Javert Satisfied explained
After revealing himself as Jean Valjean in court, M.
What happens
After revealing himself as Jean Valjean in court, M. Madeleine returns to Montreuil-sur-Mer and visits Fantine. The district attorney, determined to convict someone, orders the arrest of Madeleine. Javert receives the order and goes to Fantine's room, where he confronts Valjean with a terrifying, triumphant joy.
Themes in this chapter
Justice vs. Law
Javert's rigid adherence to the law contrasts with Valjean's moral confession, highlighting the tension between legal justice and true justice.
Redemption and Transformation
Valjean's public confession demonstrates his transformation and commitment to redemption, even at great personal cost.
Characters to notice
- Jean Valjean
Revealed as the real Jean Valjean in court; returns to Montreuil-sur-Mer and is confronted by Javert in Fantine's room.
- Javert
Receives the arrest order for Madeleine/Valjean and confronts him in Fantine's room, experiencing a terrible, triumphant joy.
- Fantine
Lying in the infirmary; sees Javert enter and turns to Valjean.
- Champmathieu
Acquitted and set free after Valjean's confession.
Key passages
“The buckle of his leather stock was under his left ear instead of at the nape of his neck. This betrayed unwonted agitation.”
Javert's normally meticulous appearance was disturbed, showing his inner turmoil.
The misplaced buckle symbolizes Javert's emotional upheaval upon receiving the arrest order.
“No human sentiment can be as terrible as joy. It was the visage of a demon who has just found his damned soul.”
Javert's joy at capturing Valjean was horrifying, like a demon finding its prey.
The narrator emphasizes the terrifying nature of Javert's satisfaction.