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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 nickname has Charles Myriel earned which translates to “welcome” in English?

2. What is the name of the police inspector who acts as a nemesis to Jean Valjean throughout Les Miserables?

3. What is the title of Book IV of Part I – Fantine?

4. What is the title of Book V of Part I – Fantine?

5. By what nickname does Jean Valjean become known when he stays at the Gorbeau House in Book IV of Part II – Cosette?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

4. How has Jean Valjean changed after he’s been out of prison for two years in Part I – Fantine? How does Jean Valjean first encounter Fantine?

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

6. When and where does the narrative begin in Book I of Part I – Fantine? How is Bishop Myriel described?

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

8. What leads to Jean Valjean’s epiphany in Book II of Part I – Fantine? What does he realize?

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

10. Who does Jean Valjean meet in the garden in Book V of Part II – Cosette? Where has he met this character before?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss Jean Valjean’s supposed drowning in Book II of Part II – Cosette. How is Jean Valjean’s valor demonstrated in this section of the novel? What indications does the author give that the reader will meet Jean Valjean in the coming chapters?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Jean Valjean’s rescue of Cosette in Book III of Part II – Cosette. How much money does he agree to give the Thénardiers? Why? How does Jean Valjean respond when the Thénardiers attempt to stop him from taking Cosette after he’s paid them?

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