Les Misérables Quotes
Jean Valjean, a Frenchman imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a police officer named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the ... See full summary »
Javert: Now Prisoner 24601, your time is up and your parole's begun. You know what that means?
Jean Valjean: Yes, it means I'm free.
Javert: No.
[hands him a yellow paper]
Javert: Follow to the letter your itinerary, this badge of shame you wear until you die. It warns that you're a dangerous man.
Jean Valjean: I stole a loaf of bread. My sisters child was close to death, and we were starving...
Javert: And you will starve again unless you learn the meaning of the law!
Jean Valjean: I've learnt the meaning of those nineteen years; a slave of the law.
Javert: Five years for what you did. The rest because you tried to run, yes 24601...
Jean Valjean: My name is Jean Valjean!
Javert: And I'm Javert! Do not forget my name. Do not forget me, 24601.
Jean Valjean: Yes, it means I'm free.
Javert: No.
[hands him a yellow paper]
Javert: Follow to the letter your itinerary, this badge of shame you wear until you die. It warns that you're a dangerous man.
Jean Valjean: I stole a loaf of bread. My sisters child was close to death, and we were starving...
Javert: And you will starve again unless you learn the meaning of the law!
Jean Valjean: I've learnt the meaning of those nineteen years; a slave of the law.
Javert: Five years for what you did. The rest because you tried to run, yes 24601...
Jean Valjean: My name is Jean Valjean!
Javert: And I'm Javert! Do not forget my name. Do not forget me, 24601.
Marius: Eponine, you're the friend who has brought me here. Thanks to you, I am with one with the Gods and heaven is near! And I soar through a world that is new, that is free.
Éponine: [to herself] Every word that he says is a dagger in me. In my life, there has been no one like him anywhere. Anywhere where he is. If he asks, I'll be his.
Éponine: [to herself] Every word that he says is a dagger in me. In my life, there has been no one like him anywhere. Anywhere where he is. If he asks, I'll be his.
Javert: Listen, my friends, I have done as I said. I have been to their lines, I have counted each man. I will tell what I can. Better beware, they have armies to spare. And our danger is real, we will need all our cunning to bring them to heel.
Enjolras: Have faith! If you know what their movements are, we'll spoil their game. There are ways that a people can fight. We shall overcome their power!
Javert: I have overheard their plans, there will be no attack tonight. They intend to starve you out, before they start a proper fight. Concentrate their force, hit us when it's light.
Gavroche: Liar! Good evening, dear inspector! Lovely evening, my dear! I know this man, my friends, his name's Inspector Javert! So don't believe a word he says, because none of it's true. This only goes to show what little people can do.
Courfeyrac: Bravo, little Gavroche, you're the top of the class.
Combeferre: So what are we going to do with this snake in the grass?
Enjolras: Take this man and throw him in the tavern in there. The people will decide your fate, Inspector Javert.
Javert: Shoot me now or shoot me later, every schoolboy to his sport! Death to each and every traitor, I renounce your people's court!
Enjolras: Have faith! If you know what their movements are, we'll spoil their game. There are ways that a people can fight. We shall overcome their power!
Javert: I have overheard their plans, there will be no attack tonight. They intend to starve you out, before they start a proper fight. Concentrate their force, hit us when it's light.
Gavroche: Liar! Good evening, dear inspector! Lovely evening, my dear! I know this man, my friends, his name's Inspector Javert! So don't believe a word he says, because none of it's true. This only goes to show what little people can do.
Courfeyrac: Bravo, little Gavroche, you're the top of the class.
Combeferre: So what are we going to do with this snake in the grass?
Enjolras: Take this man and throw him in the tavern in there. The people will decide your fate, Inspector Javert.
Javert: Shoot me now or shoot me later, every schoolboy to his sport! Death to each and every traitor, I renounce your people's court!
Joly: Marius, wake up! What's wrong today? You look as if you've seen a ghost.
Grantaire: Some wine and say what's going on!
Marius: A ghost, you say? A ghost, maybe. She was just like a ghost to me. One minute there, then she was gone.
Grantaire: I am agog! I am aghast! Is Marius in love at last? I've never heard him "ooh" and "aah"! You talk of battles to be won, and here he comes like Don Juan. It is better than an opera!
Enjolras: It is time for us all to decide who we are. Do we fight for the right to a night at the opera now? Have you asked of yourself what's the price you might pay? Is this simply a game for a rich young boy to play? The colors of the world are changing day by day! Red, the blood of angry men! Black, the dark of ages past! Red, a world about to dawn! Black, the night that ends at last!
Grantaire: Some wine and say what's going on!
Marius: A ghost, you say? A ghost, maybe. She was just like a ghost to me. One minute there, then she was gone.
Grantaire: I am agog! I am aghast! Is Marius in love at last? I've never heard him "ooh" and "aah"! You talk of battles to be won, and here he comes like Don Juan. It is better than an opera!
Enjolras: It is time for us all to decide who we are. Do we fight for the right to a night at the opera now? Have you asked of yourself what's the price you might pay? Is this simply a game for a rich young boy to play? The colors of the world are changing day by day! Red, the blood of angry men! Black, the dark of ages past! Red, a world about to dawn! Black, the night that ends at last!
Madame Thénardier: [to male customer] I used to dream that I would meet a prince, but God Almighty, have you seen what's happened since?
Thénardier: [defensive as others stare at him] What? What?
Madame Thénardier: Master of the house isn't worth my spit. Comforter, philosopher, and life-long shit. Cunning little brain; regular Voltaire. Thinks he's quite a lover, but there's not much there.
[All stare at his crotch]
Madame Thénardier: [pretending to cry] What a cruel trick of nature landed me with such a louse.
[She takes the man's purse while he's distracted]
Madame Thénardier: [suddenly cheering up] God knows how I've lasted living with this bastard in the house!
Thénardier: [defensive as others stare at him] What? What?
Madame Thénardier: Master of the house isn't worth my spit. Comforter, philosopher, and life-long shit. Cunning little brain; regular Voltaire. Thinks he's quite a lover, but there's not much there.
[All stare at his crotch]
Madame Thénardier: [pretending to cry] What a cruel trick of nature landed me with such a louse.
[She takes the man's purse while he's distracted]
Madame Thénardier: [suddenly cheering up] God knows how I've lasted living with this bastard in the house!
Javert: There... out in the darkness. A fugitive running, fallen from God. Fallen from grace. God be my witness, I never shall yield, 'til we come face to face. 'Til we come face to face. He knows his way in the dark, mine is the way of the Lord. Those who follow the path of the righteous shall have their reward. And if they fall as Lucifer fell, the flames, the sword... Stars, in your multitudes, scarce to be counted, filling the darkness with order and light. You are the sentinels, silent and sure, keeping watch in the night. Keeping watch in the night. You know your place in the sky, you hold your course and your aim. And each in your season returns and returns, and is always the same. And if you fall as Lucifer fell, you fall in flames. And so it must be, for so it is written, on the doorway to paradise, that those who falter and those who fall must pay the price. Lord let me find him, that I may see him safe behind bars. I will never rest, 'til then! This I swear! This I swear by the stars!
Cosette: You will live, Papa you're going to live. It's too soon too soon to say goodbye.
Jean Valjean: Yes Cosette, forbid me now to die I'll obey. I'll try. On this page I write my last confession. Read it well when I at last am sleeping. It's the story of one who turned from hating - a man who only learned to love when you were in his keeping.
Jean Valjean: Yes Cosette, forbid me now to die I'll obey. I'll try. On this page I write my last confession. Read it well when I at last am sleeping. It's the story of one who turned from hating - a man who only learned to love when you were in his keeping.
Bishop: Monsieur, release him. This man has spoken true. I commend you for your duty, now God's blessing go with you.
[to Valjean]
Bishop: But remember this, my brother. See in this some higher plan. You must use this precious silver to become an honest man. By the witness of the martyrs, by the passion and the blood, God has brought you out of darkness. I have bought your soul for God.
[to Valjean]
Bishop: But remember this, my brother. See in this some higher plan. You must use this precious silver to become an honest man. By the witness of the martyrs, by the passion and the blood, God has brought you out of darkness. I have bought your soul for God.
Madame Thénardier: Wait a bit! Know that face! Ain't the world a remarkable place!
Thénardier: Men like me don't forget. You're the bastard that borrowed Colette!
Madame Thénardier: Cosette!
Thénardier: Whatever.
Jean Valjean: What is this? Are you mad? No, Monsieur, you don't know what you say!
Thénardier: You know me! I know you!
Madame Thénardier: And you pay what you due!
Thénardier: And you'll better dig deep!
Madame Thénardier: Grr, she doesn't come cheap!
Thénardier: Brujon!
Éponine: It's the police! Disappear! Run for it! It's Javert!
Thénardier: Men like me don't forget. You're the bastard that borrowed Colette!
Madame Thénardier: Cosette!
Thénardier: Whatever.
Jean Valjean: What is this? Are you mad? No, Monsieur, you don't know what you say!
Thénardier: You know me! I know you!
Madame Thénardier: And you pay what you due!
Thénardier: And you'll better dig deep!
Madame Thénardier: Grr, she doesn't come cheap!
Thénardier: Brujon!
Éponine: It's the police! Disappear! Run for it! It's Javert!
Jean Valjean: How have you come to grief in a place such as this?
Fantine: M'sieur, don't mock me now, I pray. It's hard enough I've lost my pride. You let your foreman send me away - yes, you were there, and turned aside. I never did no wrong
Jean Valjean: Is it true, what I have done? To an innocent soul? Had I only known then...
Fantine: My daughter's close to dying. If there's a God above... He'd let me die instead...
Jean Valjean: In His name my task has just begun, I will see it done!
Fantine: M'sieur, don't mock me now, I pray. It's hard enough I've lost my pride. You let your foreman send me away - yes, you were there, and turned aside. I never did no wrong
Jean Valjean: Is it true, what I have done? To an innocent soul? Had I only known then...
Fantine: My daughter's close to dying. If there's a God above... He'd let me die instead...
Jean Valjean: In His name my task has just begun, I will see it done!
Javert: 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 that world; from the world of Jean Valjean. There is nowhere I can turn. There is no way to go on!
[Jumps from the bridge to his death, upon the weir/river beneath]
[Jumps from the bridge to his death, upon the weir/river beneath]
Javert: Valjean, at last, we see each other plain. Monsieur le Mayor, you'll wear a different chain.
Jean Valjean: Before you say another word, Javert, before you chain me up like a slave again, listen to me. There is something I must do. This woman leaves behind a suffering child. There is none but me who can intercede. In mercy's name, three days are all I need. Then I'll return. I pledge my word. Then I'll return...
Javert: You must think me mad! I've hunted you across the years. Men like you can never change, a man such as you...
Jean Valjean: Before you say another word, Javert, before you chain me up like a slave again, listen to me. There is something I must do. This woman leaves behind a suffering child. There is none but me who can intercede. In mercy's name, three days are all I need. Then I'll return. I pledge my word. Then I'll return...
Javert: You must think me mad! I've hunted you across the years. Men like you can never change, a man such as you...
Thénardier: Jean Valjean - the old con. You pay up and I'll say where he's gone.
Marius: [handing Thénardier money] Not so loud! Here's for you. God forgive us the things that we do.
Madame Thénardier: How's about some extra on a day so glad. Our little orphan girl, she hasn't done so bad. Raised in a convent, cash to spare - we want our share.
Thénardier: [Marius hands over yet more money to Madame Thénardier] Quite the little nun, ain't she!
Marius: [Marius punches Thénardier across the face. He falls through a door. Marius bends down to Thénardier who is almost unconscious] Where is he?
Thénardier: [cowardly] The convent.
Marius: [handing Thénardier money] Not so loud! Here's for you. God forgive us the things that we do.
Madame Thénardier: How's about some extra on a day so glad. Our little orphan girl, she hasn't done so bad. Raised in a convent, cash to spare - we want our share.
Thénardier: [Marius hands over yet more money to Madame Thénardier] Quite the little nun, ain't she!
Marius: [Marius punches Thénardier across the face. He falls through a door. Marius bends down to Thénardier who is almost unconscious] Where is he?
Thénardier: [cowardly] The convent.
Javert: Another brawl in the square, another stink in the air. Was there a witness to this? Well, let him speak to Javert. Monsieur, these streets are not safe. We'll let these vermin beware, we'll see that justice is done. Look upon this fine collection, grown from underneath a stone. This swarm of worms and maggots would have picked you to the bone. I know this man over here, I know his name and his trade and on your witness, monsieur, I'll see him suitably paid. But where's the gentleman gone, and why on earth would he run?
Thénardier: You'll have a job to find him. He's not all he seems to be. And that girl he trails behind him is the child he stole from me.
Madame Thénardier: Yeah, and me.
Thénardier: Yeah, both of us.
Javert: Could it be he's that old jailbird, that the tide now washes in? Heard my name and started running, all the omens point to him.
Thénardier: In the... absence of a victim, dear inspector, may I go? And remember when you've knicked him, it was me what told you so.
Javert: Let the old man keep on running, I will run him off his feet. Everyone about your business, clear this garbage off the street.
Thénardier: You'll have a job to find him. He's not all he seems to be. And that girl he trails behind him is the child he stole from me.
Madame Thénardier: Yeah, and me.
Thénardier: Yeah, both of us.
Javert: Could it be he's that old jailbird, that the tide now washes in? Heard my name and started running, all the omens point to him.
Thénardier: In the... absence of a victim, dear inspector, may I go? And remember when you've knicked him, it was me what told you so.
Javert: Let the old man keep on running, I will run him off his feet. Everyone about your business, clear this garbage off the street.
Judge: Monsieur le maire, I know you to be a kind man, but this...
Jean Valjean: A kind? A kind man? When I was in prison I was as ignorant and mean and devious as these men here, but not kind. And I wish I could keep my mouth shut and let this poor wretch suffer for me, but... continue with your investigation, monsieur, you will find further proof that I am Valjean.
Jean Valjean: A kind? A kind man? When I was in prison I was as ignorant and mean and devious as these men here, but not kind. And I wish I could keep my mouth shut and let this poor wretch suffer for me, but... continue with your investigation, monsieur, you will find further proof that I am Valjean.
Bishop: Now Don't Forget, Don't ever Forget, you've promised to become a new man.
Jean Valjean: Promise? Wha, Why are you doing this?
Bishop: Jean Valjean my brother you no longer belong to evil. With this silver, I have bought your soul. I've ransomed you from fear and hatred, and now I give you back to God.
Jean Valjean: Promise? Wha, Why are you doing this?
Bishop: Jean Valjean my brother you no longer belong to evil. With this silver, I have bought your soul. I've ransomed you from fear and hatred, and now I give you back to God.
Captain Beauvais: [pointing a pistol at Valjean with a trembling hand] Are you a convict? Is that true?
Jean Valjean: Yes.
Captain Beauvais: Where's the inspector in there?
Jean Valjean: Inside
Captain Beauvais: Did you kill him?
[Valjean shakes his head]
Captain Beauvais: [lowers his pistol] That's a pity.
Captain Beauvais: [hands over his pistol to Valjean] You'd better hit me hard enough... to make a lump.
Jean Valjean: Yes.
Captain Beauvais: Where's the inspector in there?
Jean Valjean: Inside
Captain Beauvais: Did you kill him?
[Valjean shakes his head]
Captain Beauvais: [lowers his pistol] That's a pity.
Captain Beauvais: [hands over his pistol to Valjean] You'd better hit me hard enough... to make a lump.
Javert: Monsieur, a serious... a grave violation of the public trust has been committed. An inferior has shown a complete lack of respect for the law. He must be exposed and punished.
Jean Valjean: Who is the offender?
Javert: I am. I slandered you Monsieur le maire, I'm here to ask that you demand my dismissal.
Jean Valjean: Who is the offender?
Javert: I am. I slandered you Monsieur le maire, I'm here to ask that you demand my dismissal.
Mme. Gilot: [sharing their meal with homeless convict] What crime did you commit?
Jean Valjean: Maybe I killed someone... How do you know I'm not going to murder *you*?
Bishop: How do you know *I'm* not going to murder *you*?
Jean Valjean: What's that, a joke?
Bishop: I suppose we'll have to trust each other.
Jean Valjean: Maybe I killed someone... How do you know I'm not going to murder *you*?
Bishop: How do you know *I'm* not going to murder *you*?
Jean Valjean: What's that, a joke?
Bishop: I suppose we'll have to trust each other.
Javert: This week was the same as last, every night?
Informer: Inspector, they're in love. It's perfectly nauseating. She sneaks out the door, and they're together till dawn. They even stay out there when it rains.
[sneezes]
Informer: I haven't caught the gun supply, Inspector, I've caught pneumonia.
Informer: Inspector, they're in love. It's perfectly nauseating. She sneaks out the door, and they're together till dawn. They even stay out there when it rains.
[sneezes]
Informer: I haven't caught the gun supply, Inspector, I've caught pneumonia.
Thénardier: I adore that child.
Jean Valjean: You adore her?
Thénardier: Yes, it's true. I'm not rich. I've had to pay over 400 Francs for her medicine. But I'm a stupid man, I have no sense... just a heart.
[glances at Valjean's wallet]
Thénardier: A big heart.
Jean Valjean: You paid over 400 Francs?
Thénardier: 500...
Jean Valjean: You adore her?
Thénardier: Yes, it's true. I'm not rich. I've had to pay over 400 Francs for her medicine. But I'm a stupid man, I have no sense... just a heart.
[glances at Valjean's wallet]
Thénardier: A big heart.
Jean Valjean: You paid over 400 Francs?
Thénardier: 500...
Jean Valjean: Brevet, Lombard, Bertin. Look at me. You recognize me? I recognize you, Brevet. You were an informer in Toulon, I see you're still a snitch.
Brevet: Valjean?
Jean Valjean: Hello, Brevet.
[turns to Lombard]
Jean Valjean: And you, Lombard, don't look at my fancy clothes, don't look at my scraped chin. Look at my eyes. You called yourself Godless, right? You've got a scar on your left shoulder. I gave it to you the night you tried to kill me, remember? When I pinned you over the stove.
Lombard: It is you...
Jean Valjean: Show the court your scar.
[Lombard bares his shoulder revealing the scar]
Jean Valjean: Bertin, the hollow of your left arm, there's a date tatooed, 1789, the year of the revolution. Show them!
[Bertin rolls up his sleave to reveal the tattoo]
Jean Valjean: I know these men, Monsieur le President, and they know me. I am the man you want. I am Jean Valjean.
Brevet: Valjean?
Jean Valjean: Hello, Brevet.
[turns to Lombard]
Jean Valjean: And you, Lombard, don't look at my fancy clothes, don't look at my scraped chin. Look at my eyes. You called yourself Godless, right? You've got a scar on your left shoulder. I gave it to you the night you tried to kill me, remember? When I pinned you over the stove.
Lombard: It is you...
Jean Valjean: Show the court your scar.
[Lombard bares his shoulder revealing the scar]
Jean Valjean: Bertin, the hollow of your left arm, there's a date tatooed, 1789, the year of the revolution. Show them!
[Bertin rolls up his sleave to reveal the tattoo]
Jean Valjean: I know these men, Monsieur le President, and they know me. I am the man you want. I am Jean Valjean.
Old Woman: [first lines - dark street] You can't sleep here.
Jean Valjean: Get away from me.
Old Woman: Why don't you go to an inn?
Jean Valjean: Why do you think?
Old Woman: Can't you knock on doors and ask people?
Jean Valjean: I asked. I ask everywhere. Leave me alone?
Old Woman: You didn't ask there? Knock on that door.
[pointing to Bishop's residence]
Jean Valjean: Get away from me.
Old Woman: Why don't you go to an inn?
Jean Valjean: Why do you think?
Old Woman: Can't you knock on doors and ask people?
Jean Valjean: I asked. I ask everywhere. Leave me alone?
Old Woman: You didn't ask there? Knock on that door.
[pointing to Bishop's residence]
