# XIII: The Solution of Some Questions Connected with the Municipal Police explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Javert arrests Fantine for assaulting a citizen, sentencing her to six months in prison. Fantine pleads for mercy, explaining her desperate need to support her daughter Cosette. Mayor Madeleine intervenes, overrules Javert, and orders Fantine's release, offering to pay her debts and reunite her with Cosette. Fantine faints from the shock of this unexpected kindness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice vs. Law

Javert represents rigid legalism, while Madeleine appeals to a higher moral conscience.

### Mercy and Forgiveness

Madeleine shows mercy to Fantine, offering her a chance at a new life despite her crime.

### Social Injustice and Poverty

Fantine's desperation and the harsh treatment of the poor highlight systemic injustice.

## Character check-ins

### Javert

Arrests Fantine and sentences her to six months in prison, but is overruled by Mayor Madeleine.

### Fantine

Arrested for assaulting a citizen; pleads for mercy for the sake of her daughter Cosette.

### Jean Valjean

As Mayor Madeleine, intervenes to free Fantine, offers to pay her debts and care for her and Cosette.

## Key lines

> The highest law is conscience.

The ultimate authority is one's moral sense, not written statutes.

_Madeleine asserts that conscience overrides legal technicalities._

> I will pay your debts, I will send for your child, or you shall go to her. You shall live here, in Paris, or where you please. I undertake the care of your child and yourself.

I will settle your financial obligations, reunite you with your daughter, and support you both wherever you choose to live.

_Madeleine offers Fantine a complete rescue from her plight._

## Links

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