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Why Did Jean Valjean Spare Javert's Life Essay

810 Words4 Pages

Question 1: According to this quote from Hugo, do the ills that he describes still exist in our society? Are stories like Les Misérables still necessary? Answer: Yes, but in different mediums and forms. For example, the desperate struggle of the poor is now the form of the fight for gender equality, as there is a similar angry and disillusioned tone at the heart of both scenarios and stories. The wistful love between radical Marius and hidden away Cosette can be represented in the change of ideas about science, with old theories being completely overtaken by new ones, perhaps dangerously. The love between Marius and Cosette is hard to define, as you know the benefits, but the consequences can be overpowering. It is the same with science. The old ideas seem so right, but the new ones tug at your mind and make you think. So yes, Hugo’s stories resonate with a classic timelessness, a deep feeling of emotion, and a sharp mind for the human condition. Question 2: Why did Jean Valjean spare Javert’s life? Answer: I think it was a combination of many factors. After Fantine died, Jean Valjean felt he needed to atone for the sins against her and wanted to spare himself of even …show more content…

This causes pain for both of them, but it manifests itself in different ways, with Jean Valjean attempting to stop others from sinning by showing them kindness and trying to set an example, whereas Javert attempts to redeem himself by never sinning and showing others the justice he thinks they deserve. However, Javert gets lost in this and devotes himself to the flawed and complex system of law , whereas Jean Valjean devotes himself to perhaps nobler pursuits such as God and his adopted child. Javert simply put his devotion to the wrong thing, but it is Jean Valjean’s understanding of this and his ability to still show empathy and reasoning that redeems

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