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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 Fantine’s hometown to which she returns in order to find work in Part I – Fantine?

2. Charles Myriel was forced to flee Italy during the French Revolution of what year?

3. What holiday is it when Cosette is introduced in Book III of Part II – Cosette?

4. Fantine is fired from her job at the factory for what reason in Book V of Part I – Fantine?

5. What does Jean Valjean steal from M. Myriel in Part I – Fantine?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What was the significance of the Battle of Waterloo for the French, according to the narrator in Book I of Part II – Cosette?

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

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

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

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

7. How is the character of Javert described in Part I – Fantine? What role does Javert play in the novel?

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

9. How is the history of Petit-Picpus described in Book VI of Part II – Cosette?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

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