View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is written on the message that Marius hurls through the window in Book VIII of Part III – Marius?

2. What is the title of Book IX in Part IV – Saint Denis?

3. Approximately how old is Gavroche in Book I of Part III – Marius?

4. In what Paris suburb does Eponine tell Marius Cosette is living in Book II of Part IV – Saint Denis?

5. The republican secret societies made their move to start off the Paris Uprising of 1832 at whose public funeral?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Gavroche do at the end of Book IV of Part IV – Saint Denis? Who benefits from Gavroche’s action?

2. What information does Eponine leak to Marius about Cosette in Book II of Part IV – Saint Denis?

3. Why does Marius go to see his father in Book III of Part III – Marius? What does he find at his father’s home?

4. Where does Gavroche live in the beginning of Part III – Marius? Who are Gavroche’s parents?

5. Who introduces Marius to the Friends of the ABC in Book IV of Part III – Marius? What are Marius’s impressions of the group?

6. What does Marius think about Cosette after finding what he believes to be her handkerchief in Book VI of Part III – Marius?

7. How does Gavroche go about helping two homeless children in Book VI of Part IV – Saint Denis? Who are these children?

8. How does the narrator describe Marius’s progression in school in Book V of Part III – Marius? What is his financial situation like?

9. Who raised Marius Pontmercy? How is this character described in Book II of Part III – Marius?

10. What historical event is described in Book I of Part IV – Saint Denis? What consequences of this event does the narrator point out?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Plot Structure

a. Discuss the plot structure of Les Miserables. In what ways is the narrative related and what effect does this have on the reader?

b. How does Les Miserables compare with other novels written during this time period? Are there specific stylistic elements that can be seen in Victor Hugo’s writing?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author’s use of symbolism and imagery in Jean Valjean’s exit and reentrance at Petit-Picpus in the conclusion of Part II – Cosette. What does the coffin symbolize in this section of the novel? What does the dirt represent? How does this symbolism tie into the novel’s themes?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the character of Charles Myriel in the novel. In what year was Charles Myriel born? Charles Myriel was forced to flee Italy during the French Revolution of what year? Whom did Charles Myriel have a chance encounter with in 1806 that led to his current position? How do Myriel’s actions affect Jean Valjean?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 931 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample