#because I think ‘mouchard’ has some connotations similar to ‘bootlicker’ as well

[secretmellowblog]

I really do love how Javert is the ultimate physical embodiment of the word “bootlicker.”

His entire personality is composed of “respect for authority and hatred of rebellion;” he grovels before anyone of a higher legal/social status, and thinks they can do no wrong. He puts all of his faith into the institution of policing. He worships his superiors in the police force and the legal system. He would sell out anyone who committed any infraction to the police, and would do it with smug glee.

I honestly cannot think of any fictional character who embodies the word “bootlicker” better.

I’ve mentioned before that one of my favorite small Javert moments is when he’s attempting to get Madeleine to fire him, and….he gives Madeleine a salute even when Madeleine’s back is turned, and he can’t see the salute. To me it shows how much Javert’s bootlicking is genuine. It is earnest. He earnestly believes in his own inferiority and the necessity of constant groveling respect to authorities. They don’t need to police him— he polices himself. He grovels even when their backs are turned.

He doesn’t just lick boots for show; he licks boots because he genuinely believes it is the morally correct thing to do, that an “inferior” is legally bound to grovel before their “superior.” And he enjoys this groveling; he experiences a savage glee at his usefulness to authority; he loves the taste of boot leather.

He’s a bootlicker all the way to the bottom of his soul.