☝️ Key Points
- The song lyrics reflect Javert's inner turmoil and his conflict between justice and mercy.
- Javert feels betrayed for not being able to apprehend Jean Valjean and sees himself as the embodiment of the law.
- The song lyrics depict Javert's internal conflicts and his doubts about his concept of justice and order.
- Javert cannot handle Valjean's compassion and mercy and feels confused.
- The song lyrics end with Javert's suicide, which showcases his despair and struggle.
Interpretation
The song lyrics 'Javert's Suicide' from the musical
Les Misérables describe the inner turmoil and conflict of the character Javert. Javert is an inspector and represents the law and justice. He is obsessed with capturing the protagonist Jean Valjean, who was a criminal but later changed his life.
In the song lyrics, Javert reflects on his life and beliefs. He feels betrayed because he couldn't arrest Valjean despite having him in his hands. Javert sees himself as the embodiment of the law and despises the compassion and mercy that Valjean showed him. He sees no compromise between them and feels his honor has been violated.
The song lyrics also show Javert's internal conflicts. He asks himself questions like 'Can one trust this man?' and 'Will doubt now consume me?'. Javert begins to doubt if his notion of justice and order is truly right. He is confused by Valjean's compassion and mercy and cannot handle it. This conflict ultimately drives him to commit suicide.
The song lyrics depict the desperation and emotional struggle that Javert goes through. He sees no way out of his inner conflict and decides to end his life.
'Javert's Suicide' is an important moment in the musical 'Les Misérables' that showcases the complexity of the characters and their internal conflicts. It is a song about morality, justice, and the struggle between law and mercy.