Javert's only problem is that he only sees life in black and white. He sees himself as the good guy, and Valjean as the bad guy, which completely abolishes any empathy for anyone. But when Valjean spares his life, Javert becomes confused as he finally sees Valjean as a man who is capable of doing good. Seeing as Javert represents the implacable power of the state, his view of justice and human nature becomes so thrown off by Valjeans act of mercy that he kills himself. .
An incredibly interesting detail of the story is how single mothers are treated. The social view becomes apparent when Fantine an unmarried working mother is discovered. The fear that Fantine will corrupt the workforce with her supposed uncivil views, results in her firing and her commencement of prostitution. Even though Fantine's life truly reaches the bottom of the barrel, she grasps hold of the love for her daughter and is eventually rewarded. The irony of it all is that this story is about the struggle of two unmarried men, and that even though the commoners are searching for ways to detach themselves from the noble hierarchy they still hold their views. Even Valjean cannot detach himself from the view that all unmarried mothers will corrupt, until he is struck by the vividness of her situation when encountering Fantine. .
Some of the ramifications of poverty in respect of health and education were astounding. Fantine had to resort to prostitution in order to supposedly save her daughters health, and insure her education. All the while the caretakers of her daughter take her advantage of. The irony is Fantine dealt herself into situations of incivility by allowing people to take advantage of her, so that people could take advantage of her. .
Another interesting detail of the story was how the mentally ill were treated before the courts. The courts, and Javert supposedly represented all that was just in society, all that was good, and a direct representation of the civility of the noble society.
