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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 is the name of Cosette’s father in the novel?

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

3. Whom does Fantine beg to look after her daughter as she seeks work in Part I – Fantine?

4. Jean Valjean held what profession before he was incarcerated?

5. What are the two luxuries that Charles Myriel holds onto out of consideration for his housekeeper?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Fantine’s position in society described when she is introduced in Part I – Fantine?

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

3. Where does Cosette meet Jean Valjean in Book III of Part II – Cosette? What are her impressions of him?

4. What internal conflict does Jean Valjean face in Book VI of Part I – Fantine? How does he resolve the conflict?

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

6. How does Jean Valjean escape and reenter the convent in Book VIII of Part II – Cosette?

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

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

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

10. What does Bishop Myriel impress upon Jean Valjean when he gives him the candlesticks in Book II of Part I – Fantine? How does Valjean react?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Human Rights in Les Miserables

a. Discuss the ways that the author examines the treatment of the poor in Les Miserables. What kind of change does Victor Hugo call for in regards to the treatment of the poor?

b. How is the theme of human rights symbolized in Les Miserables? What characters in the story reflect this theme the most? How?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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