Les Misérables Study Guide, Part 1

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Questions and Answers

When was Victor Hugo born?

1802

When did Victor Hugo die?

1885

Where did Victor Hugo lie in state?

Beneath the Arc de Triomphe

Where was Victor Hugo buried?

Pantheon among France's greatest men Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Victor Hugo's most famous novel?

Les Misérables Signup and view all the answers

When was Les Misérables published?

1862 Signup and view all the answers

How popular was Les Misérables?

Very popular Signup and view all the answers

Why was Jean Valjean sent to the galleys?

He had been sent nineteen years before for trying to steal a loaf of bread Signup and view all the answers

What were the galleys?

Flat ships with sails and oars used for warfare, trade, and piracy Signup and view all the answers

What does Robinson suggest to be the theme of this humanitarian novel?

How a man can be redeemed by accepting suffering Signup and view all the answers

What does Robinson say he omitted from the novel?

Numerous lengthy digressions and many phrases, sentences, and paragraphs Signup and view all the answers

In his preface, what three problems of society does Victor Hugo mention?

Degradation of man by poverty, ruin of woman by starvation, dwarfing of childhood Signup and view all the answers

When does the story of Les Misérables begin?

An hour before sunset, on the evening of a day in October, 1815 Signup and view all the answers

Describe the traveler in the story.

A man of average height, stout, and hardy, about forty-six or forty-seven Signup and view all the answers

Where did the traveler go immediately upon entering the town?

To the mayor's office to get the yellow passport Signup and view all the answers

Why did Jacquin LaBarre not accept the traveler at his inn?

The host had no room and the traveler tried to stay in the stable Signup and view all the answers

What was the traveler's name?

Jean Valjean Signup and view all the answers

How much money did the traveler have with him?

No money with him, only a small leather pouch full of money Signup and view all the answers

What did the children do to the traveler?

Laughed at him and threw sticks and stones Signup and view all the answers

What did the guard tell Jean Valjean when he asked if he could stay at the jail?

"A prison is not a tavern: get yourself arrested and we will open" Signup and view all the answers

What was the yellow passport?

Signifies Jean Valjean as an ex-convict Signup and view all the answers

What caused Jean Valjean to say, 'I am not even a dog!'?

He felt rejected and humiliated when he was chased away by a dog Signup and view all the answers

How did Jean Valjean get into the town of D--?

He passed through a breach Signup and view all the answers

What did the kind woman give Jean Valjean?

Four sous Signup and view all the answers

What was Madame Magloire's last duty every night?

Preparing dinner for the bishop and Mademoiselle Baptistine Signup and view all the answers

Learn the French terms: madame (Mde), mademoiselle (Mlle), monsieur (M), messieurs, monseigneur, curé, abbé, ...

Sur, franc, sous, piece, league, gendarme, quartier Signup and view all the answers

What was Jean Valjean's profession before he went to the galleys?

Convict Signup and view all the answers

Where did Jean Valjean live before his sentence?

Pontarlier Signup and view all the answers

Why had Jean Valjean raised his hand 7 times while the collar was being riveted?

He had done it to feed and clothe seven little children Signup and view all the answers

How long did it take for the prisoners to get to Toulon?

Twenty-seven days Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the number 24,601?

Jean Valjean's prisoner's number dressed in red blouse Signup and view all the answers

What was the bishop's name?

Bishop Myriel Signup and view all the answers

Why was Jean Valjean shocked when the bishop told him to sit at the table?

Because so many others had told him to go away Signup and view all the answers

According to the bishop, to whom did the silver belong?

To the poor Signup and view all the answers

What did the bishop ask Jean Valjean when the gendarmes brought him back?

"Why did you not take them along with your plates?" Signup and view all the answers

How much were the candlesticks worth?

Two hundred francs Signup and view all the answers

Why did the bishop tell Jean Valjean to go and come through the front door?

"It is closed only with a latch, day or night." Signup and view all the answers

What promise did the bishop remind Jean Valjean of?

"Forget not, never forget that you have promised me to use this silver to become an honest man." Signup and view all the answers

Who was Petit Gervais?

Little Savoyard who is good at singing Signup and view all the answers

How did Jean Valjean feel after realizing how mean he had been?

He felt sorry and guilty Signup and view all the answers

Where does this action take place?

Montfermeil near Paris Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Thénardiers?

A man and his wife, innkeepers with a couple of kids Signup and view all the answers

Who was Fantine?

A working woman seeking to return to the life of a peasant Signup and view all the answers

Who was Cosette?

Fantine's daughter Signup and view all the answers

How much did Fantine pay the Thénardiers to take care of Cosette per month?

Seven francs Signup and view all the answers

What do we find out about the Thénardiers in this exchange?

They were fifty francs short and greedy Signup and view all the answers

Explain the metaphor of the mousetrap.

Mrs. Thénardier was the trap and Cosette was the mouse Signup and view all the answers

What were the names of the two Thénardier girls?

Eponine and Azelma Signup and view all the answers

Why was Cosette called the Lark?

Because she was not larger than a bird, trembling and frightened Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of the story?

Town at M------------ sur M-------------- in 1818 Signup and view all the answers

What was the attitude of the villagers towards strangers?

Indifferent, nervous Signup and view all the answers

Who was Father Madeleine and what did the townspeople say about him?

He was good-natured and ambitious with factories Signup and view all the answers

How did Madeleine become so wealthy?

He enriched the country before enriching himself Signup and view all the answers

Who was the man described as a terror?

Javert Signup and view all the answers

Who was Father Fauchelevent?

One of the few who were enemies of Monsieur Madeleine Signup and view all the answers

How did Javert feel when he suspected Madeleine was Jean Valjean?

He felt conflicted and suspicious Signup and view all the answers

What does Javert reveal about himself when he says he does not wish for kindness?

He reveals he is strict and believes in the law Signup and view all the answers

What was Madeleine's dilemma?

To remain in paradise and become a demon or re-enter into hell and become an angel Signup and view all the answers

Why did Madeleine go to Arras?

Because he wanted to become the mayor and save a man Signup and view all the answers

What were the reactions of those in the courtroom to Jean Valjean?

They were shocked and inspired Signup and view all the answers

Where was Fantine and what was her condition?

Sleeping in her bed, sick and in poor condition Signup and view all the answers

What promise did Jean Valjean make to Fantine?

To give her three days to see her child Signup and view all the answers

What did Javert do that caused Jean Valjean to say, 'You have killed this woman'?

Javert insulted Fantine and revealed that he would not save Cosette Signup and view all the answers

Why did Javert not try to arrest Jean Valjean immediately?

Because Fantine was dead Signup and view all the answers

What did Jean Valjean do when he said, 'Now, I am at your disposal'?

Javert put him in city prison Signup and view all the answers

How did Jean Valjean get out of prison?

Broke a bar from a window Signup and view all the answers

Who helped Jean Valjean elude Javert?

Sister Simplice Signup and view all the answers

What does it show about Javert when he believes Sister Simplice?

It shows his belief in integrity and moral clarity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Victor Hugo's Background

Born in 1802 and died in 1885.
Laid in state under the Arc de Triomphe, later buried in the Pantheon among France's illustrious figures.

Les Misérables

Published in 1862 and gained immense popularity, selling out immediately upon release.

Jean Valjean's Backstory

Sent to the galleys for nineteen years for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's starving children.
Galleys refer to flat ships used for warfare, trade, and as prisons.

Themes of Redemption

The novel explores redemption through suffering, conscience, and self-sacrifice.

Narrative Style

The novel was abridged, omitting lengthy digressions and certain character details, yet maintaining plot integrity.

Hugo highlights degradation of man due to poverty, starvation affecting women, and the physical and spiritual neglect of children.

Setting and Introduction

Story begins at sunset in October 1815 in an unnamed town.

Description of the Traveler

Jean Valjean, described as a stout, hardy man nearing fifty, has traveled continuously for twelve weeks.

Arrival in Town

Upon entering, Valjean seeks refuge at the mayor's office due to fatigue, hunger, and thirst.

Host's Rejection

Jacquin LaBarre refuses Valjean accommodation despite his money, emphasizing unwelcoming conditions for ex-convicts.

Children in the town mock and throw stones at Valjean, showcasing the community's rejection.

Yellow Passport

Valjean’s yellow passport designates him as an ex-convict, complicating his reintegration into society.

Desperate Declaration

Valjean expresses despair by stating, "I am not even a dog!" after being chased away by a dog when seeking shelter.

Entry into Town

Valjean gains entry into the town through a breach in the wall.

Act of Kindness

A kind woman offers Valjean four sous, illustrating moments of compassion amid societal neglect.

Bishop Myriel

Bishop Myriel is depicted as a benevolent figure who invites Valjean to dinner, defying societal expectations.

Transformation of Valjean

After stealing silver from the bishop, Valjean is inspired to become an honest man, marking a pivotal moment in his redemption journey.

Petit Gervais Episode

The encounter with Petit Gervais, a poor boy who drops money, leads Valjean to confront his wrongdoing and desire for moral change.

Care for Cosette

Fantine, a struggling mother, pays the Thénardiers to care for her daughter Cosette, raising questions about exploitation and poverty.

The Thénardiers

The innkeeper couple is greedy and cruel, reflecting societal class struggles and the impact of poverty on morality.

Cosette's Condition

Cosette, referred to as "the Lark," lives in a dehumanizing environment, resembling a trapped animal due to jealousy from the Thénardier daughters.

Setting Details

Story unfolds in a village with a changing appearance from 1818, highlighting the indifference of its inhabitants towards outsiders.

Father Madeleine's Ascension

Madeleine rises in wealth and status through philanthropy and hard work, eventually becoming mayor.

Javert's Role

Javert, a strict police officer, symbolizes the law's unyielding nature and is a significant antagonist to Valjean's redemption.

Conflict and Dilemmas

Madeleine faces a moral crisis: to remain incognito or expose himself to save another man, reflecting his internal struggle.

Jean Valjean's Sacrifice

In Arras, Valjean reveals his identity to save an innocent man, showcasing his transformation and commitment to righteousness.

Fantine's Downfall

Fantine’s illness and desperation culminate in tragedy, driven by societal neglect, leading to Valjean’s promise to reunite her with Cosette.

Climax and Arrest

The interplay between Javert and Valjean escalates, exposing societal failures and personal sacrifices made in pursuit of justice and redemption.

Sister Simplice's Role

Sister Simplice aids Valjean’s escape from Javert's pursuit, signifying hope and moral integrity amidst a morally complex society.

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Explore the key facts about Victor Hugo and his iconic novel, Les Misérables. This quiz covers Hugo's life, his most famous work, and its popularity upon release. Perfect for students seeking a deeper understanding of the text.