“From year to year the child grew, and her misery also.[...]shivering under the taters of what was once a calico dress, sweeping the street before daylight with an enormous broom in her little red hands and tears in her large eyes.”(Page 47)

Being 5 years old and already a slave with no knowledge of what a mother should be to child, she knows she needs to escape these slaveowners and be with a real family that will love her.

“Without looking at the bishop, along the bed, straight to the cupboard which he perceived near its head; he raised the drill to force the lock; the key was in it; he opened it; the first thing her saw was the basket of silver, he took it.”(Page 30)

Jean Valjean was cared for of the night in a church, but the second he had a chance he stole from those who showed sympathy. Greed will always be the downfall of thieves.

“He thought he saw himself, older, doubtless, not precisely the same in features, but alike in attitude and appearance[...] just as he was on the day he entered D------, full of hatred, and concealing in his soul the hideous hoard of frightful thoughts which he had spent nineteen years in gathering upon the floor of the galleys.”(Page 79)

In the quote it was referring to Jean Valjean who now deceives people by pretending to be Monsieur Madeleine. He saw himself was who he was back in the galleys ,knowing that know matter how much he tries to change he will still be Jean the thieve. He has been trying to deceive others into believing he is a good man instead of believing himself he is a good man.

“His first care, on reaching Paris, had been to purchase a mourning dress for a little girl of seven years, then to procure lodgings.“(Page 118)

Jean Valjean after being put in jail again made it a mission to buy the girl he met Cosette a dress. He would do this after he escapes once more. He made a connection with Cosette the very moment he saw how poorly the Thenardiers were treating her and now since her real mother had died.

“Marius took no note of these symptoms. His love grew. He dreamed of her every night. And then there came to him a good fortune for which he had not even hoped, oil upon the fire, double darkness upon his eyes.”(Page 198)

Marius grew blindly in love with a girl who he doesn’t even know the name of. This girl could be a serial killer for all he knows but he developed strong feelings for her not even knowing her name.

“Marius did not hear this answer. When Jondrette had said: My name is Thenardier, Marius had trembled in every limb, and supported himself against the wall as if he had felt the chill of a sword-blade through his heart.“(Page 220)

Marius is left speechless when he realizes the man named in his father’s will was nothing but a cruel man. Marius had made it his mission to give his life to the man who was said to have saved his father’s life. This pains Marius so much he is heartbroken.

“In a few minutes five were unanimously designated and left the ranks. “There are five!”...There were only four uniforms...And it was who should stay, and who should find reasons why the others should not stay...Marius now believed no emotion possible. Still at this idea: to select a man for death.“(Page 306 )

Marius was given the choice that shouldn’t have been his to make. With five people chosen to leave the ranks and live another day ,but only four uniforms to give. Marius was chosen to make the decision of who stays and have their days numbered. He had to choose safety and death for these all deserving people. But, luckily and fifth uniform was dropped

“He sought himself and found himself no longer. Javert felt that something horrible was penetrating his soul, admiration for a convict. Respect for a galley slave, can that be possible?“(Page 336 )

Javert began contemplating his choices as to why he was chasing after a man who had showed generosity for him. When given the chance for his “revenge” Javert spared Jean’s life something that was so unlike Javert. Javert spent his whole life trying to get back at Jean ,but doesn’t in the end. He can no longer recognize himself.

“Don’t call me father anymore.“ “Call me Monsieur Jean. Jean, if you will.”(Page 370 )

Jean Valjean tells Cosette to no longer call him Father. Is this a form of dishonor Jean Valjean feels while lying on his dying bed?

“Cosette, do you hear? That is the way with him! He begs my pardon… he has saved my life. He has given you to me. And, after having saved me and after having given you to me.. He sacrificed himself...that man is an angel!“(Page 393 )

Jean Valjean has been accused of being a crook his whole life and now he has the forgiveness of the two who he cares and loves the most while on his dying bed. Marius had realized all the good Jean has done for him and wants to stay by his side for good.