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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 does Javert give to Marius after Marius tells him of the plot of his neighbors in Book VIII of Part III – Marius?

2. How does Jean Valjean escape at the end of Book VIII of Part III – Marius?

3. Whom does Gavroche discover to be a military spy in Book XII Part IV – Saint Denis?

4. Who was offered the throne after the 1830 July Revolution?

5. What is the name of Marius Pontmercy’s father?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Marius learn about his father from Mabeuf in Book III of Part III – Marius? How does this information affect Marius?

3. How does Marius inject himself into the lives of Cosette and Valjean in Book V of Part IV – Saint Denis?

4. Why does Marius go to see his father in Book III of Part III – Marius? What does he find at his father’s home?

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

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

7. What internal conflict does Marius face in Book VIII of Part III – Marius? How is the conflict resolved?

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

9. What leads to conflict between Jean Valjean and Cosette in Book III of Part IV – Saint Denis?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the history of the Church and monasticism in France and author Victor Hugo’s commentary on monasticism in the novel. What does the author assert monasticism leads to? Would you say he’s a proponent or opponent of monasticism? 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

Describe and discuss the trial of Champmathieu in Part I – Fantine. Why does this trial cause Jean Valjean internal conflict? What will occur if Valjean steps forward with his true identity? What will happen if he doesn’t?

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