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

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

3. Fauchelevent believes that Valjean is hiding from whom in Book VIII of Part II – Cosette?

4. When did Monsieur Madeleine become mayor of Montreuil?

5. How many years have passed since Fantine has been to her hometown in Book V of Part I – Fantine?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Jean Valjean described in Book II of Part I – Fantine? Where has Jean Valjean come from?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Describe and discuss the character of Gavroche in Les Miserables. How did Gavroche come to be a street urchin? What does this term mean? Who are Gavroche’s parents? What has led Gavroche’s parents to abandon him?

Essay Topic 2

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 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?

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