Final answer:
Through Jean Valjean's narrative, the author portrays the French justice system as overly strict and unmerciful, while raising questions about the impact of mental capacity on criminal responsibility and how the code of the time aligned with French Revolutionary ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character of Jean Valjean in Victor Hugo's novel is often used to explore themes related to the French justice system. Through Valjean's experiences, the author portrays the system as being harsh and unforgiving. Valjean's disproportionate punishment for stealing a loaf of bread and his subsequent life on the run reflect a critique of the system's rigidity and lack of mercy.
Additionally, the author touches on legal questions regarding mental capacity and criminal culpability. This continues the exploration of justice, asking the reader to consider whether intellectual capacity should impact one's responsibility for criminal acts. It suggests a nuanced view of justice that considers the individual circumstances of each case.
Concerning the code that governs the actions of the characters, the author questions whether it aligns with the ideals of the French Revolution, such as liberty, equality, and fraternity. The treatment of women and the social inequities present in the code can be seen as a continuation or deviation from these revolutionary principles, depending on the interpretation.