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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 title of Book I of Part III – Marius?

2. Where does Marius pronounce his love for Cosette in Book V of Part IV – Saint Denis?

3. What is the name of Marius Pontmercy’s grandfather who raised him?

4. What is the title of Book VI of Part IV – Saint Denis?

5. What is the hometown of Marius’s father to which Marius rides in order to see him in Book III of Part III – Marius?

Short Essay Questions

1. What exchange takes place between Marius and Monsieur Gillenormand in Book VIII of Part IV – Saint Denis?

2. How does the narrator describe Marius’s progression in school in Book V of Part III – Marius? What is his financial situation like?

3. What leads to the disappearance of Cosette and Valjean in Book VI of Part III – Marius?

4. What are Marius’s impressions of Cosette when he first sees her in Book VI of Part III – Marius?

5. What historical event is described in Book I of Part IV – Saint Denis? What consequences of this event does the narrator point out?

6. What does Marius think about Cosette after finding what he believes to be her handkerchief in Book VI of Part III – Marius?

7. Where does Gavroche live in the beginning of Part III – Marius? Who are Gavroche’s parents?

8. What is the “Patron-Minette” and who comprises this group?

9. How is Marius led to Cosette’s whereabouts in Book VIII of Part III – Marius?

10. What consumes Marius’s mind in Book II of Part IV – Saint Denis? Where does he spend his time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Transformation in Les Miserables

a. Discuss the theme of transformation in the novel. How does transformation apply to Jean Valjean through the narrative? Does Valjean transform for the better or worse?

b. How does the theme of transformation apply to Javert’s character in Les Miserables? Does Javert emerge from his transformation? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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