# One Should Always Begin by Arresting the Victims explained — Les Misérables

> Chapter companion for Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Javert and his police squad raid the Gorbeau house den, arresting Thénardier, his wife, and their accomplices. During the chaos, the mysterious prisoner (M. Leblanc) escapes through the window, leaving Javert frustrated.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice vs. Law

Javert's rigid enforcement of the law contrasts with the moral ambiguity of the prisoner's escape.

### Revolution and Social Upheaval

The chaotic raid and the Thénardiers' desperate resistance hint at broader social tensions.

## Character check-ins

### Javert

Leads the raid, arrests the Thénardiers and their gang, and is frustrated by the prisoner's escape.

### Thénardier

Armed with a knife, attempts to shoot Javert but the pistol misfires; he is handcuffed and arrested.

### Madame Thénardier

Throws a paving stone at Javert, misses, and is handcuffed; weeps for her daughters.

### Éponine

Mentioned as having disappeared before the raid; Javert only captured Azelma.

### Azelma

Captured by Javert before the raid.

### Marius Pontmercy

His passkey is used by Javert to enter the den.

## Key lines

> Halt there. You shall not go out by the window, you shall go through the door. It's less unhealthy. There are seven of you, there are fifteen of us.

Javert orders the criminals to surrender, pointing out that they are outnumbered.

_Javert's authoritative command during the raid._

> The devil! he must have been the most valuable of the lot.

Javert curses under his breath, realizing the escaped prisoner was the most important catch.

_Javert's frustration at M. Leblanc's escape._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters/xxi-one-should-always-begin-by-arresting-the-victims
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/les_miserables_se/chapters