Saturday, April 13, 2013

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?


10 comments:

  1. A wonderful post and a pleasure to read.

    Yvonne passing through A to Zing

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    1. Thank you, Yvonne! It's good to have you stop by...

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  2. Hello, Jarm! I haven't seen this film yet, but I'm looking forward to receiving it on Netflix. But whenever I hear Anne Hathaway's rendition of I Dreamed a Dream I just want to cry! It's so beautifully heart-wrenching.

    Happy A to Z-ing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines

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    1. I hope you have the chance to see it soon...maybe on the big screen? Yes, Ann's whole character was very well played. I cried throughout the movie! Thanks for stopping!

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  3. I must be one of the few people left that hasn't watched Les Miserables. After reading all your posts I know I really have too.
    Peanut Butter and Whine

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    1. Yes, you must Connie! I know you will enjoy it!!

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  4. I loved the play and the film. Hi, I am your newest follower from the A to Z challenge. I am number 528 on the list.

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    1. Hi Melissa! Thanks for stopping by. . . And following!

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  5. I just appreciate mercy whenever it is shown. My personal viewpoint on that is that we make a choice every day to show mercy or "look out for number one," and to recognize that love means inconvenience sometimes, sacrifice sometimes,regardless of where we are on a religious level. But the scene (at least in the musical, haven't seen the movie yet) where the priest tells Valjean that by not turning him in for stealing silver, that he 'bought his soul for God," gets me every time. People do not always give each other a chance to show their personal redemption or potential for good when prejudices get in the way, so that scene is so very powerful to me.

    Great post!

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    1. Yes, that is one of my favorite scenes as well, Wendy!

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Journey into the Promised Land

Journey into the Promised Land
From Egypt to Israel