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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 name of Marius Pontmercy’s grandfather who raised him?

2. Book VII of Part IV – Saint Denis focuses on what?

3. What thief pounces on Jean Valjean in Book IV of Part IV – Saint Denis?

4. Approximately how many total casualties came about in the Paris Uprising of 1832?

5. From what location does Gavroche rescue Thénardier in Book VI of Part IV – Saint Denis?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the outbreak of the June Rebellion described in Book X of Part IV – Saint Denis?

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

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

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

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

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

7. How is the setting of “The House on Rue Plumet” described in Book III of Part IV – Saint Denis?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the character of Javert in the novel. What is Javert’s principle concern with Jean Valjean? How do Javert’s actions in Book V of Part I – Fantine help to define his character? How does Javert’s character evolve throughout the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author’s use of symbolism and imagery in Jean Valjean’s exit and reentrance at Petit-Picpus in the conclusion of Part II – Cosette. What does the coffin symbolize in this section of the novel? What does the dirt represent? How does this symbolism tie into the novel’s themes?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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