A Father's Revelation of His Past
Cosette:
Please tell me what this is all about, papa. Please, please tell me what this is. Please, what is it?
Jean Valjean: [stammering]
I... I am a convict. When I was young... just your age I was very poor, I was starving. One day, I stood in front of the window. A window full of bread, there was just glass between me... and not being hungry anymore, it was so easy. So I broke it... and took what I wanted. Then they caught me... and put me in chains for almost 19 years. They did things to me... I can't tell you about it, and I did things, there in jail. Terrible things. I became an animal. They took my dignity, they took everything from me.
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The Future Defined by Love
Marius:
If we can't win today, then none of us have a future.
Jean Valjean:
You have love. That's the only future God gives us.
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A Convict's Admission in Uncertain Times
Captain Beauvais: [pointing a pistol at Valjean with a trembling hand]
Are you a convict? Is that true?
Jean Valjean:
Yes.
Captain Beauvais:
Where's the inspector, in there?
Jean Valjean:
Inside.
Captain Beauvais:
Did you kill him?
Captain Beauvais: [lowers his pistol; hands over his pistol to Valjean]
That's a pity. You'd better hit me hard enough... to make a lump.
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Recognition and Confrontation in Les Misérables
Jean Valjean:
Brevet, Lombard, Bertin. Look at me. You recognize me? I recognize you, Brevet. You were an informer in Toulon, I see you're still a snitch.
Brevet:
Valjean?
Jean Valjean: [turns to Lombard]
Hello, Brevet. And you, Lombard, don't look at my fancy clothes, don't look at my scraped chin. Look at my eyes. You called yourself Godless, right? You've got a scar on your left shoulder. I gave it to you the night you tried to kill me, remember? When I pinned you over the stove.
Lombard:
It is you...
Jean Valjean:
Show the court your scar.
Jean Valjean:
Bertin, the hollow of your left arm, there's a date tatooed, 1789, the year of the revolution. Show them!
Jean Valjean:
I know these men, Monsieur le President, and they know me. I am the man you want. I am Jean Valjean.
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The Struggle for Redemption and Truth
Judge:
Monsieur le maire, I know you to be a kind man, but this...
Jean Valjean:
A kind? A kind man? When I was in prison I was as ignorant and mean and devious as these men here, but not kind. And I wish I could keep my mouth shut and let this poor wretch suffer for me, but... continue with your investigation, monsieur, you will find further proof that I am Valjean.
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A Conflict of Honor and Responsibility
Javert:
Monsieur, a serious... a grave violation of the public trust has been committed. An inferior has shown a complete lack of respect for the law. He must be exposed and punished.
Jean Valjean:
Who is the offender?
Javert:
I am. I slandered you Monsieur le maire, I'm here to ask that you demand my dismissal.
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The Consequences of Judging Others Too Soon
Jean Valjean:
You might be making a mistake.
Javert:
Mistake? What kind of mistake is that?
Jean Valjean:
Sometimes, people move into town to start a new slate, you might be doing more harm than good by prying into their private lives.
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Redemption and Worth in Despair
Jean Valjean:
When you're better, I'll find work for you.
Fantine:
But you don't understand, I'm a whore... and Cosette has no father.
Jean Valjean:
She has the Lord. He is her father. And you're his creation. In his eyes, you have never been anything but an innocent and... beautiful woman.
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A Moment of Honesty and Doubt
Jean Valjean:
You look better everyday.
Fantine:
Liar.
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Redemption Through Faith and Forgiveness
Bishop:
Now don't forget, don't ever forget, you've promised to become a new man.
Jean Valjean:
Promise? Wha, Why are you doing this?
Bishop:
Jean Valjean my brother you no longer belong to evil. With this silver, I have bought your soul. I've ransomed you from fear and hatred, and now I give you back to God.
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Questioning Intentions in a Tense Exchange
Mme. Gilot: [sharing their meal]
What crime did you commit?
Jean Valjean:
Maybe I killed someone... How do you know I'm not going to murder you?
Bishop:
How do you know I'm not going to murder you?
Jean Valjean:
What is that - a joke?
Bishop:
I guess we'll have to trust each other.
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Fear of Missing Words
Cosette:
I didn't breathe when you spoke. I was afraid I'd miss a word.
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The Conflict Between Law and Mercy
Javert:
It's a pity the law doesn't allow me to be merciful.
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The Art of Deception and Lies
Javert: [about Valjean]
He lies so well, doesn't he? He's had a lot of practice. A lifetime of lies.
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Nature of Man and Lawfulness
Javert:
Reform is a discredited fantasy. Modern science tells us that people are by nature, law breakers or law abiders. A wolf could wear sheep's clothing but he's still a wolf.
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The Cost of Stolen Happiness
Jean Valjean: [to Fantine, as he is being taken away]
This is right, my dear. I stole something, I did. I stole happiness with you. I don't mind paying.
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The Beginning of True Punishment
Jean Valjean:
Nineteen years, now the real punishment begins.
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