I'm back to talk a little about Les Miserables.

Saw it for a second time with my husband and am really beginning to appreciate the longevity of this story and musical. I never quite got what was so special about this story.

DH and I were both struck by the story of deep faith throughout. We were interested in the juxtaposition of Jean Valjean's true desire to do what was right in God's eyes no matter the cost and Javert's faith in doing what was right for the sake of how his attention to duty might be perceived. They both uttered a line at crucial points in the story;

By Jean Valjean at the beginning of his changed life -
I am reaching, but I fall
And the night is closing in
And I stare into the void
To the whirlpool of my sin
I'll escape now from the world
From the world of Jean Valjean
Jean Valjean is nothing now
Another story must begin!

by Javert at the end of his life -
I am reaching, but I fall
And the stars are black and cold
As I stare into the void
Of a world that cannot hold
I'll escape now from the world
From the world of Jean Valjean.
There is nowhere I can turn
There is no way to go on....

Both men were shown mercy and resulted in very different outcomes.