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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. Marius Pontmercy’s father was a colonel in whose army?

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

3. Gavroche’s makeshift home in Book VI of Part IV – Saint Denis is located near the entrance of what?

4. In what Paris suburb does Eponine tell Marius Cosette is living in Book II of Part IV – Saint Denis?

5. What is the title of Book I of Part III – Marius?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What does Gavroche do at the end of Book IV of Part IV – Saint Denis? Who benefits from Gavroche’s action?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the character of Charles Myriel in the novel. In what year was Charles Myriel born? Charles Myriel was forced to flee Italy during the French Revolution of what year? Whom did Charles Myriel have a chance encounter with in 1806 that led to his current position? How do Myriel’s actions affect Jean Valjean?

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 motif of industrialization and technological progress seen in Les Miserables. How does the author use the progress in Montreuil-sur-mer to address the greater issues resulting from industrialization worldwide? Do you think Hugo views industrialization as a positive or negative influence on society? Why?

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