Symbolism in Les Miserables

(Question 20)
The pages of Les Miserables are liberally sprinkled with symbolism, which help reinforce the reader's undestanding of the themes and enrich the story with deeper meaning. Symbolism often occurs through the use of metaphors and other literary devices, and is found behind nearly every main character in the story.
The character of Javert is one such example. He is a policeman who dedicates much of his life to tracking down Jean Valjean, and his character symbolizes the blindness of the law. According to description, Javert was a "concientious, straightforward, clear, sincere, upright, austere, fierce man" (Hugo 206); "he protected order, he hurled forth the thunder of the law, he avenged society..." (Hugo 292), all of which seems to be noble and good qualities.
However, the darker side of this seemingly decent man is revealed when he finally corners Jean Valjean and prepares to arrest him. At this time, the narrator proclaims that "probity, sincerity, candour, conviction, the idea of duty, are things which , mistaken, may become hideous, but which, even though hideous, remain great... Without suspecting it, Javert, in his fear-inspiring happiness, was pitiable, like every ignorant man who wins a triumph. Nothing could be more painful and terrible than this face, which revealed what we may call all the evil of good" (Hugo 292-293).
This quotation clearly illustrates the symbolism contained in the character of Javert. Similar to Javert, we generally consider the law to be a very noble and dignified institution, but see through Javert's malice that it can be horribly misused to the detriment of society. Though Javert posseses all qualities that appear to be repectable, he is inherently malevolent and pitiless. The law as well can be exhibit both respectability and goodness as well as cruelty and injustice. This symbolism is greatly important to the overall theme of the novel, which is inequality, both in society and in the justice system.
Symbolism is used frequently in Les Miserables to support the themes of the novel and elevate the novel from simply an entertaining story to an important social statement.