The mental struggle of Javert an officer of the law having exhibited grace to a fugitive parole ValJean

1. There are certain ambushes set by God - Victor Hugo
Javert faced whom he thought himself to be versus whom he really was. He, the law did something unlawful by releasing the
escaped probation violator Jean Valjean.
The convulsion was more than what he could bare. His ideal was to be irreproachable and blameless. Honest, law abiding, rigidly
moral, incorruptible and callously unaccepting of those who failed in life. Judgmental to the point no place for forgiveness.
Perfectionist as to the law. Legally minded yet unyielding to letting that which is compassionate overrule that which was legal.
Let the love of God overrule the law of man? Impossible! Performance based driven and proud of it. He had judged others
severely with the law.
This theme a sudden surprising insight that comes to our awareness. A self discovery to which the truth of our failure faces a
brutal candor. We were greatly mistaken. Emotions run from subtle self reproach to a deep convulsion resulting in a 180 degree
turn around in attitude and conduct. Providential.
Examples exist from history. Paul, Luther, Handel, writer of Invictus, etc. Hugo’s portrayal of Jean Val Jean with Father Muriel
and life; epiphany a common but rare human experience or else the word would not exist. Archimedes and Newton’s “eureka
effect” come to mind.
In Javerts case as he had been severe on others, he must be on himself. It is only fair and just. He had failed the law of man and
the love of God. He submits his written resignation to his superiors. To God he submits his resignation by ending his failed life.
Javert self imposes a just sentence with a leap into the Seine as a watery cold tomb for his death. A severely proud man found
mercy an unwanted insult.
Al Haller Professor Palm Beach State