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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 second thing that Fantine sells in order to make money when she becomes desperate after losing her job at the factory?

2. Whom does Jean Valjean rescue in Part I – Fantine by lifting him from underneath a fallen carriage?

3. In what year was Charles Myriel born?

4. What is the title of Book IV of Part I – Fantine?

5. What is the name of the boy from whom Jean Valjean steals a silver coin in Part I – Fantine?

Short Essay Questions

1. In whose care does Fantine leave Cosette in Part I – Fantine? How is Cosette treated by these characters?

2. How is the history of Petit-Picpus described in Book VI of Part II – Cosette?

3. How is Jean Valjean described in Book II of Part I – Fantine? Where has Jean Valjean come from?

4. What is related in the newspaper article concerning the Orion in Book II of Part II – Cosette?

5. What does Bishop Myriel tell Jean Valjean about his suffering in Part I – Fantine?

6. From what narrative point of view is Les Miserables related? What are the characteristics of this narrative style?

7. Where does Cosette meet Jean Valjean in Book III of Part II – Cosette? What are her impressions of him?

8. What does Bishop Myriel impress upon Jean Valjean when he gives him the candlesticks in Book II of Part I – Fantine? How does Valjean react?

9. What does the author comment on regarding monasticism in Book VII of Part II – Cosette?

10. Who does Jean Valjean meet in the garden in Book V of Part II – Cosette? Where has he met this character before?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Jean Valjean’s supposed drowning in Book II of Part II – Cosette. How is Jean Valjean’s valor demonstrated in this section of the novel? What indications does the author give that the reader will meet Jean Valjean in the coming chapters?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Fantine’s obstacles as she searches for work in Book IV of Part I – Fantine. Why does Cosette’s presence threaten Fantine’s ability to find a job? Do you agree or disagree with Fantine’s choice to leave Cosette with the innkeepers? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the history of the Church and monasticism in France and author Victor Hugo’s commentary on monasticism in the novel. What does the author assert monasticism leads to? Would you say he’s a proponent or opponent of monasticism? Why?

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