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

Short Answer Questions

1. What gift does Jean Valjean give to Cosette in Book III of Part II – Cosette?

2. What is the title of Book VIII of Part II – Cosette?

3. Fauchelevent tells the nuns that Jean Valjean is his brother named what in Book VIII of Part II – Cosette?

4. With whom did Charles Myriel have a chance encounter in 1806 which led to his current position?

5. What nation was victorious at the Battle of Waterloo?

Short Essay Questions

1. From what narrative point of view is Les Miserables related? What are the characteristics of this narrative style?

2. How does Jean Valjean respond to the advice of Bishop Myriel in Book II of Part I – Fantine? Where do his actions lead him?

3. How does Jean Valjean succeed in rescuing Cosette in Book III of Part II – Cosette?

4. What information is related from the character named Boulatruelle in Book II of Part II – Cosette?

5. In whose care does Fantine leave Cosette in Part I – Fantine? How is Cosette treated by these characters?

6. What tips Javert off to Jean Valjean’s trail in Book IV of Part II – Cosette?

7. What does Bishop Myriel tell Jean Valjean about his suffering in Part I – Fantine?

8. What does the author comment on regarding monasticism in Book VII of Part II – Cosette?

9. What is related in the newspaper article concerning the Orion in Book II of Part II – Cosette?

10. How old is Cosette when she is reintroduced in Book III of Part II – Cosette? How is her living situation described?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the author’s use of a third-person omniscient narrator in Les Miserables. Why do you think the narrator chose this perspective? What are the advantages of this narrative style? What are the disadvantages?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the characteristics that generally compose a “protagonist” in narrative literature and examine how these qualities apply to the character of Jean Valjean. How does the narrator describe Valjean’s state of mind as he enters Digne in the beginning of the novel? What major change does Valjean undergo in Les Miserables?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the character of Javert in the novel. What is Javert’s principle concern with Jean Valjean? How do Javert’s actions in Book V of Part I – Fantine help to define his character? How does Javert’s character evolve throughout the novel?

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This section contains 900 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample