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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. When did Monsieur Madeleine become mayor of Montreuil?

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

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

4. What is the second thing that Fantine sells in order to make money when she becomes desperate after losing her job at the factory?

5. The nuns of the convent in Book VI of Part II – Cosette are an order founded by what Spaniard?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. 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?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the character of Marius Pontmercy in Les Miserables. How old is Marius when he is introduced in the novel? Who raised Marius? What are his feelings about his father?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the political, cultural, and artistic atmosphere of Paris, France, in 1817. What history does the narrator provide for Paris in Book III of Part I – Fantine? How did these events shape the culture and politics of Paris? How are they reflected in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the shifts in the narrative style of Les Miserables. Where in the novel does the author step out of the action to provide commentary on politics, culture, history, and opinion? How do Hugo’s digressions affect you as a reader? How do these chapters stand in relation to the plot?

(see the answer keys)

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