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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. How much money does Jean Valjean give to the Thénardiers for Cosette in Book III of Part II – Cosette?

2. Fauchelevent helps Jean Valjean secure work as what in Book VIII of Part II – Cosette?

3. What nation was victorious at the Battle of Waterloo?

4. Who is the convict on the chain gang who saves the sailor from drowning on the Orion in Book II of Part II – Cosette?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the character Fauchelevent in the novel. Where is the reader first introduced to Fauchelevent? Why does Fauchelevent agree to help Jean Valjean at Petit-Picpus? What are Fauchelevent’s impressions of Jean Valjean and Cosette?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the characters of Monsieur and Madame Thénardier in the novel. How does the reality of these characters compare to their perceived reality as seen by Fantine? Why do the Thénardiers agree to keep Cosette? How do they treat her?

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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