By Evelyn Harrington
Les Misérables, written by Victor Hugo in 1862, is a powerful story that highlights the themes of judgement versus forgiveness while magnifying the power of redemption. This story has been adapted for the screen numerous times, but the 1998 adaptation starring Liam Neeson is particularly moving, perfectly capturing the serious themes of this celebrated classic.
As Les Misérables began to unfold, I was immediately drawn to the culture of mercy over the culture of judgement. After all, the bishop’s kindness and Jean Valjean’s (Liam Neeson) consequent redemption proved that even convicts can be afforded a second chance. Conversely, Inspector Javert (Geoffery Rush) showed that following the rules can fade into cruelty, deterring judgement from achieving justice. As a Christian, I kept thinking of James 2:13, and at the close of Les Misérables, I was more convinced than ever that mercy does indeed rejoice against judgement.
When Inspector Javert first came to Vigau with his plan to uncover the past of every citizen, law-abiding or not, Valjean cautioned him against digging up past grievances on the basis that reform is possible. To this, Javert responds, “Reform is a discredited fantasy.” In effect, no one, no matter who they are or what they’ve done, can ever be redeemed. This outlook is both hopeless and untrue. In fact, the entire Gospel message hinges on the ability of sinners to turn from their ways and live differently. Javert’s shameful treatment of Fantine (Uma Thurman) contrasts sharply with an encounter Jesus had with one such sinner. Instead of labeling the woman caught in adultery with nasty titles she may have deserved, Jesus withheld condemnation and told her, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). Second chances are essential for human beings because we are all sinners in need of grace. God graciously offers all of us a second chance and a clean slate in Christ. Because we are all recipients of God’s grace, it is our duty to extend grace to others when they need it as well.
Additionally, Javert demonstrated how the culture of judgement lacks an understanding of the nature of forgiveness. At one point in the film, Valjean freely extends forgiveness to Fantine for her trespasses, canceling her prison sentence. He was not forced to forgive, nor was Fantine deserving of his forgiveness, but he forgave her anyway. That’s what makes mercy so beautiful. It is a gift for both parties, symbolizing the chance to start fresh for both. Javert fails to recognize this, however, and tells Valjean, “You don’t have the right to forgive her.” At its core, however, forgiveness is not a right. If it were a right, none of us would ever be forgiven. The law, on the other hand, always dictates justice. The law, by nature, is our right. Conversely, forgiveness is always an act of grace. It is, by nature, unwarranted and unearned.
As the story continued to progress, it became clear that Javert’s dedication to live by the dictates of the law was not sustainable. Even he began to realize that it is not possible to pass through life without becoming an offender. In the final scene of the movie, as he contemplates how to judge Valjean, he confesses, “I’ve tried to live my life without breaking a single rule.” The irony of Javert’s perfection is that while he has always lived by the rules, he has not always lived by what is right. Nevertheless, he can’t cope with any disregard for the law, even his own. Finally choosing to withhold judgement, Javert handcuffs himself instead of Valjean and plummets into the depths of the river. This dramatic display powerfully demonstrates how the spirit of judgement truly imprisons us, while the spirit of mercy allows us to walk free.
It is easy to choose judgement over mercy when we are not being judged, and it is easy to choose mercy when we are. Ultimately, Les Misérables reminded me that mercy is always the better of the two because the only One who was ever worthy to condemn us chose mercy instead. As human beings and Christians following Christ, we must always be ready to extend mercy and withhold judgement, because that is exactly what Jesus did for us.
The Judson Mosaic 