#romani javert
javert is such a weird character to think about because on one hand, it’s really plausible read him as a moc since Victor tells us his mother was a fortune teller (w no crime listed, the same as his father) and that’s a perception commonly attributed to, if indeed racist, to Romani esp within literature of this time period.
And some translations of the novel also end up utilising the g*psy slur in place of that title, but then there’s a whole discussion to be had about whether that’s accurate as to probable authorial intent for the time period.
But then ON TOP OF THAT, if you want to read him as a moc, that reframes the constant animalistic imagery (as well as the subservience to authority) in a problematic light because poc, and in particular men, being referred to as beasts isn’t you know. Great!
But then you have this reading also giving additional depth to Javert protecting a system that essentially views him as worthless, beyond the background of being born to parents who were deemed criminals. Why he’s held to such aggressive standards amongst his collegues are partially why he holds himself to such. Internalised racism is genuinely such an interesting angle to explore with his character!
Well said!!! I’m also weak for Romani Javert, and although the racist implications ARE problematic they add a whole new dimension to his character. Furthermore, Roma people are victims of hate crimes and police brutality even today (especially in Europe) so a lot of people could benefit from learning a little more about the culture. Two of the Les Misérables spin off novels I’ve read characterize Javert as Romani, Barricades by C. A. Shilton and The Pont-au-change series by Arlene C. Harris. The second one in particular has him raised with the customs and language, which I find especially interesting!
Another note: many people write off the possibility of Javert being Roma by citing the term ‘gypsy-race’ as a mistranslation of race bohème. Despite initially referring soley to France’s Romani population, from the mid-to-late 19th century onwardsBohémiencame to describe anyone living a free, unconventional lifestyle. Hugo’s definition probably falls in line with the former, considering that in Hugo’s opera La Esméralda, composed around the same time that he started writing Les Mis, the titular Roma refers to herself as L'humble fille bohème (The humble bohemian girl).
I AM WARNING YOU, JAVERT
YOU KNOW NOTHING OF JAVERT
(If you point out the engish spelling of Inspecteur and the fact I’ve spelt monsieur wrong at least twice you’re a royalist)
