Javert fundamentally re-evaluates his perception of Mayor Madeleine, ultimately believing he was wrong, because he discovers that Madeleine is not Jean Valjean and recognizes Madeleine's true benevolent nature. This profound realization leads Javert to understand he had acted with undue harshness towards an innocent man.
Javert's Initial Misconception
Initially, Inspector Javert held a rigid conviction regarding Mayor Madeleine in Montreuil. He firmly believed that Madeleine was a deceitful individual, primarily because he suspected him of being the escaped convict, Jean Valjean, masquerading under a new identity. This belief colored all of Javert's interactions and judgments concerning the Mayor, leading him to categorize Madeleine as a "bad person" in his rigid moral framework.
The Turning Point: Discovering Madeleine's True Identity
A pivotal moment occurs when Javert receives undeniable evidence that Mayor Madeleine is not Jean Valjean. This discovery shatters Javert's long-held assumption and forces him to confront a reality that contradicts his ingrained sense of justice and order.
Key Revelations for Javert:
- Madeleine is Not Valjean: The most critical piece of information for Javert is the definitive proof that Mayor Madeleine is a distinct individual, separate from the criminal he has relentlessly pursued for years.
- Madeleine is a Good Person: Beyond merely not being Valjean, Javert comes to recognize Mayor Madeleine as genuinely a good person. This understanding is likely based on observing Madeleine's actions, his positive impact on the community, and his character, which stands in stark contrast to Javert's initial negative assumptions and preconceived notions.
The Impact of Realization: A Moral Reckoning
This complete reversal of his understanding about Madeleine triggers a deep moral crisis within Javert. He grapples with the weight of his previous actions and judgments:
- Recognition of Cruelty: Javert realizes that his unwavering suspicion and harsh treatment towards Madeleine were entirely undeserved. He acknowledges that he had been cruel to someone who did not merit such condemnation. This realization of his own unfairness profoundly impacts his sense of self and duty.
- Challenge to His Worldview: For a man whose entire existence is predicated on a strict, unbending code of law and justice, the discovery of his profound error regarding Madeleine destabilizes his moral framework. It forces him to question the very foundations of his beliefs and methods, particularly the idea that justice can always be found within the letter of the law, regardless of individual circumstance or inherent goodness.
This internal conflict highlights the immense struggle Javert faces when his black-and-white view of the world is challenged by the complex reality of human goodness existing outside the rigid boundaries of the law.
