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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. Why was Jean Valjean’s prison sentence extended?

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

3. Jean Valjean tells the landlady at the Gorbeau House that Cosette is what in Book II of Part II – Cosette?

4. How many years have passed since Jean Valjean’s first encounter with M. Myriel in Book III of Part I – Fantine?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is related in the newspaper article concerning the Orion in Book II of Part II – Cosette?

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

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

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

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

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

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 Fantine’s obstacles as she searches for work in Book IV of Part I – Fantine. Why does Cosette’s presence threaten Fantine’s ability to find a job? Do you agree or disagree with Fantine’s choice to leave Cosette with the innkeepers? Why?

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

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?

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