Les Misérables Chapter Summary

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Questions and Answers

What motivated Jean Valjean to steal bread?

  • He was influenced by friends.
  • He wanted to impress the villagers.
  • He intended to sell it for profit.
  • He was trying to feed his sister's children. (correct)

How many total years did Jean Valjean serve in prison?

  • 19 years (correct)
  • 15 years
  • 5 years
  • 10 years

What was the state of Jean Valjean's heart after his years in prison?

  • It was filled with hope and love.
  • He found peace and acceptance.
  • There was only bitterness and hate. (correct)
  • He became indifferent to everything.

What does the story suggest about the treatment of the poor in France?

<p>The poor are often punished harshly for their crimes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect did Jean Valjean's time in prison have on him?

<p>He became resentful and bitter. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Jean Valjean was sent to prison for 19 years because he stole a loaf of bread.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The wealthy people in France also experienced hunger during the winter of 1796.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Jean Valjean's sister had three children.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Jean Valjean escaped from prison only once.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After leaving prison in 1815, Jean Valjean felt love in his heart.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Social Context of 1796 France

  • France is experiencing widespread poverty, with the poor suffering from hunger while the wealthy remain unaffected.
  • Jean Valjean epitomizes the struggles of the lower class as he finds himself unemployed and starving.

Jean Valjean's Background

  • Young, strong, and capable worker, indicating potential for a better life.
  • Resides in the village of Brie with his widowed sister and her seven starving children.
  • Faces harsh winter conditions with no resources to provide for the family.

Desperate Measures

  • Valjean, driven by desperation for his sister's children, resorts to stealing bread.
  • He stealthily takes a loaf from a bakery at night, highlighting the extent of his need.

Consequences of Theft

  • Caught stealing, Valjean is sentenced to five years in prison, illustrating the severity of the justice system.
  • His imprisonment is extended multiple times due to escape attempts, resulting in a total of nineteen years.

Transformation from Prison Experience

  • Released in 1815, Valjean emerges profoundly changed, impacted by years of hard labor and mistreatment.
  • His previous love and compassion have been replaced by deep-seated resentment and bitterness as a result of his experiences in prison.

Social Context of 1796 France

  • France is experiencing widespread poverty, with the poor suffering from hunger while the wealthy remain unaffected.
  • Jean Valjean epitomizes the struggles of the lower class as he finds himself unemployed and starving.

Jean Valjean's Background

  • Young, strong, and capable worker, indicating potential for a better life.
  • Resides in the village of Brie with his widowed sister and her seven starving children.
  • Faces harsh winter conditions with no resources to provide for the family.

Desperate Measures

  • Valjean, driven by desperation for his sister's children, resorts to stealing bread.
  • He stealthily takes a loaf from a bakery at night, highlighting the extent of his need.

Consequences of Theft

  • Caught stealing, Valjean is sentenced to five years in prison, illustrating the severity of the justice system.
  • His imprisonment is extended multiple times due to escape attempts, resulting in a total of nineteen years.

Transformation from Prison Experience

  • Released in 1815, Valjean emerges profoundly changed, impacted by years of hard labor and mistreatment.
  • His previous love and compassion have been replaced by deep-seated resentment and bitterness as a result of his experiences in prison.

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