Maigret's Perspective on Crime

In Maigret's eyes, evil never sprouts without reason. Crimes unravel into comprehensible tales once their underpinnings are exposed. Through his relentless investigations, Maigret fortifies his conviction that a murderer is often a pitiable soul, driven by circumstances that could ensnare almost anyone. Often, the driving force is humiliation, subtly woven into the "Maigrets" series. Maigret delves into the lives of crime victims, believing that understanding them is key to unraveling the psyche of the criminal. Frequently, the victim harbors more malevolence than the perpetrator, leading Maigret to silently wish for the latter’s exoneration.

The Nature of Criminals

Professional wrongdoers are a rare breed in Maigret's world. Typically devoid of animosity or malice, Maigret also withholds sympathy as he methodically reveals the ordinary human beneath the facade of the criminal. Over time, the relentless pursuit between hunter and prey can forge a peculiar bond, akin to a familial connection.

A Reflection on Justice

Consequently, Maigret often refrains from passing judgment on most lawbreakers, a stance echoing Simenon’s critique of the flaws inherent in the judicial system, as depicted in many of his works. Maigret is acutely aware of the daunting task judges and jurors face in needing definitive cases amidst the complexity of human nature. The realization of how tenuous their verdicts can be is indeed unsettling.

Maigret's Character

Unlike the quintessential hero of detective fiction, Maigret's appeal lies in his simplicity and unassuming bourgeois qualities. Despite his keen intellect and affinity with his surroundings, he remains a comforting paternal figure. Simenon's abundance of descriptive detail strips away any mystique that might surround Maigret, grounding him firmly in reality.