Les Misérables · Chapter
Jean Valjean Takes His Revenge explained
Jean Valjean, alone with the captured Javert, cuts his bonds and sets him free, revealing his own alias and address.
What happens
Jean Valjean, alone with the captured Javert, cuts his bonds and sets him free, revealing his own alias and address. Javert, stunned, hesitates and then leaves. Jean Valjean fires a pistol into the air to simulate an execution. Meanwhile, Marius recognizes Javert and learns his name from Enjolras, but the pistol shot convinces him that Javert has been killed.
Themes in this chapter
Mercy and Forgiveness
Jean Valjean spares Javert's life and sets him free, an act of radical mercy.
Justice vs. Law
Valjean's personal sense of justice overrides the legal punishment of Javert, highlighting the conflict between moral and legal justice.
Characters to notice
- Jean Valjean
Frees Javert instead of killing him, revealing his alias Fauchelevent and address.
- Javert
Is freed by Jean Valjean after being captured and pinioned; he is astonished and leaves.
- Marius Pontmercy
Recognizes Javert and learns his name from Enjolras, then hears the pistol shot.
- Enjolras
Identifies Javert by name to Marius.
- Éponine
Mentioned as a corpse among the pile of bodies, recognized by Javert.
Key passages
“Jean Valjean cut the martingale which Javert had about his neck, then he cut the cords on his wrists, then, stooping down, he cut the cord on his feet; and, straightening himself up, he said to him: 'You are free.'”
Jean Valjean frees Javert by cutting all his bonds and telling him he is free.
The central act of mercy in the chapter.
“Jean Valjean fired his pistol in the air. Then he returned to the barricade and said: 'It is done.'”
Jean Valjean fires a pistol into the air to fake the execution and announces that it is done.
Valjean's deception to protect Javert and maintain the appearance of justice.