Theological Analysis of "Les Miserables" Character Valjean and Javert Essay Example

Looking into the movie, I have found that it is a very parallel story line. The two main characters lead very similar lives just on the opposite sides of the road. Javert, seems to be the law and nothing more, and Valjean, may be just the lowly criminal, but if you take a closer look you can only see their similarities and not their differences. Javert, has a very simple story. He was born in the same prison his parents were prisoners in. I believe this is where one very simple fact changes a man life. Being born in a prison, even though Javert does not remember it brings cause for someone to not want to live that life style. Javert, went on to become a detective, the exact opposite of what his parents where. This I believe confirms the fact that Javert did not want to become criminals like them. Though it seems that Javert does not dwell on his past, he does not question what led to his parents “fall”. Is it just that he expects what his parents have done? I am led to believe he wants to rise above what society has thought in the past of Javert and now he is just trying to give society something back in return. Because of his parents, and all the judgment that Javert receives throughout his life, I feel that this leds Javert to be very law like and to uphold the law no matter what happenes and to have no grace. On the other side of the road, Vlajean’s story starts in the prison as well.
Valjean is in prison because of some petty crimes of stealing some food for his starving family. He is punished to the full extent of the law. For what reason? After several escape attempts, he winds up being in prison for nineteen years. When gets out, he is a hardened criminal until he meets the bishop. This where the story changes for Valjean.
The bishop takes Valjean in for a night to show him compassion for his lowly state. Valjean is given a meal, clothes, and a place to sleep for the night. At night, while the bishop and his wife are asleep, Valjean gets up and