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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. The nuns of the convent in Book VI of Part II – Cosette are an order founded by what Spaniard?

2. What is the title of Book VIII of Part I – Fantine?

3. The narrator says that Monsieur Madeleine arrived in Montreuil in what year in Book V of Part I – Fantine?

4. What are the names of the Thénardiers’ two daughters whom they spoil?

5. What does Fauchelevent actually carry out of the convent in a coffin in Book VIII of Part II – Cosette?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What information is related from the character named Boulatruelle in Book II of Part II – Cosette?

5. How does Jean Valjean succeed in rescuing Cosette in Book III of Part II – Cosette?

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

7. How has Jean Valjean changed after he’s been out of prison for two years in Part I – Fantine? How does Jean Valjean first encounter Fantine?

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

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

10. How is Fantine’s position in society described when she is introduced in Part I – Fantine?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Transformation in Les Miserables

a. Discuss the theme of transformation in the novel. How does transformation apply to Jean Valjean through the narrative? Does Valjean transform for the better or worse?

b. How does the theme of transformation apply to Javert’s character in Les Miserables? Does Javert emerge from his transformation? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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?

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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