Les Misérables Characters Quiz

Characters in Les Misérables

• Marius is a key character in the novel, and his role is central to the plot.
• Enjolras is the leader of the Friends of the ABC, a revolutionary group.

Significance of Characters

• Bishop Myriel is a significant character who takes Jean Valjean in and teaches him about morality and kindness, having a profound impact on Valjean's life.
• Cosette falls in love with Marius, and their romance is a key aspect of the novel.

Plot Development

• The climax of the plot occurs when the students, led by Enjolras, are massacred by the government, and Marius is saved by Jean Valjean.

Conflict and Pursuit

• Inspector Javert relentlessly pursues Jean Valjean, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to prove his own moral superiority.

Historical Context

• King Louis-Philippe condemned Victor Hugo for writing a book about poor people and making money from it, highlighting the social and economic disparities of the time.

Social Commentary

• Jean Valjean's character represents the struggles of the poor and the injustices of the French criminal justice system.
• Valjean's imprisonment for stealing a loaf of bread and subsequent escape attempts highlight the harsh realities of poverty and the flaws in the system.
• The English translation of the title "Les Misérables" is "The Miserable Ones" or "The Wretched".
• Jean Valjean's character comments on the social issue of poverty in 19th-century France, particularly the struggle for survival and the lack of opportunities for the poor.
• The poor workers acquired copies of the book "Les Misérables" through unofficial means, as it was not widely available to them due to their socio-economic status.

Themes and Symbolism

• Jean Valjean's various names (Jean Valjean, prisoner 24601, Monsieur Madeleine) reflect the themes of identity, highlighting the tension between Valjean's past and present selves.
• Cosette serves as a foil to the characters of Jean Valjean and Javert, representing innocence and redemption.
• The main settings in Les Misérables, such as the streets of Paris and the sewers, impact the plot by creating a sense of tension and desperation, emphasizing the struggles of the characters.

Character Development

• Eponine is the main foil to Cosette's character, representing the opposite side of the coin in terms of experiences and outcomes.
• Jean Valjean's growth throughout the novel represents the possibility of redemption and personal transformation, highlighting the impact of kindness and compassion on individuals.
• Victor Hugo explores the theme of identity through Jean Valjean's character arc, examining the complexities of personal identity and the role of morality in shaping our lives.