Les Misérables: L is for "Look Down"

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In three scenes throughout the film we see folks being told to "look down". . .


Slave to the others:

Look down, look down,
Don't look 'em in the eye
Look down, look down,
You're here until you die.

Look down, look down,
You'll always be a slave
Look down, look down,
You're standing in your grave


Gavroche to the aristocracy:

Look down and see the beggars at your feet
Show some mercy if you can.
...upon your fellow man


Jean Valjean to Javert when caught carrying Marius to a safe place:

Look down, Javert, he's standing in his grave
Give way, Javert, there is life to save.


The slaves are looking down in humiliation. They are not worthy to look up at Javert on the wall.

Gavroche asks the aristocrat to look down at the beggars with compassion.

Valjean begs Javert to look down in mercy, and let them pass.

There is someone else who DID "looked down" in compassion and mercy . . . Jesus. As he was suffering and dying on the cross for our sins, he was thinking of his mother. 

 Here is the interaction:


John 19:25-27

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.  When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!  Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And -- from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

Have you known a special person who "looked down" on you with compassion and mercy?