Quote by Victor Hugo
Without knowing it, Javert in his awful happiness was deserving of pity, like every ignorant man who triumphs. Nothing could have been more poignant or more heartrending than that countenance on which was inscribed all the evil in what is good.
Summary
This quote highlights the tragic irony of Javert's character in Victor Hugo's novel, Les Misérables. Although he is blindly happy in fulfilling his duty as a relentless police officer, Javert remains ignorant of the complexities of human compassion and redemption. The phrase "awful happiness" refers to his self-righteousness, while "deserving of pity" underlines the tragedy of his ignorance. The quote suggests that Javert's lack of understanding and inability to recognize the good in others ultimately leads to his downfall, making his triumphs over evil appear futile and sorrowful.
By Victor Hugo
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