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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 title of Book VII in Part IV – Saint Denis?

2. What bacterial infection swept through Europe in 1832, killing over 18,000 people in Paris?

3. What does Jean Valjean give to the thief who attacks him after he’s pinned the thief to the ground in Book IV of Part IV – Saint Denis?

4. What is the hometown of Marius’s father to which Marius rides in order to see him in Book III of Part III – Marius?

5. To whom does Marius go for permission to marry Cosette in Book VIII of Part IV – Saint Denis?

Short Essay Questions

1. What exchange takes place between Marius and Monsieur Gillenormand in Book VIII of Part IV – Saint Denis?

2. What does Marius learn about his father from Mabeuf in Book III of Part III – Marius? How does this information affect Marius?

3. How is the setting of “The House on Rue Plumet” described in Book III of Part IV – Saint Denis?

4. How is Marius led to Cosette’s whereabouts in Book VIII of Part III – Marius?

5. What internal conflict does Marius face in Book VIII of Part III – Marius? How is the conflict resolved?

6. Who raised Marius Pontmercy? How is this character described in Book II of Part III – Marius?

7. How does the narrator describe Marius’s progression in school in Book V of Part III – Marius? What is his financial situation like?

8. How does Gavroche help the revolutionaries in Book X of Part IV – Saint Denis?

9. Why does Marius go to see his father in Book III of Part III – Marius? What does he find at his father’s home?

10. What attack does Gavroche witness in Book IV of Part IV – Saint Denis? What is the outcome of the conflict?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the character of Charles Myriel in the novel. In what year was Charles Myriel born? Charles Myriel was forced to flee Italy during the French Revolution of what year? Whom did Charles Myriel have a chance encounter with in 1806 that led to his current position? How do Myriel’s actions affect Jean Valjean?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the author’s use of a third-person omniscient narrator in Les Miserables. Why do you think the narrator chose this perspective? What are the advantages of this narrative style? What are the disadvantages?

Essay Topic 3

Plot Structure

a. Discuss the plot structure of Les Miserables. In what ways is the narrative related and what effect does this have on the reader?

b. How does Les Miserables compare with other novels written during this time period? Are there specific stylistic elements that can be seen in Victor Hugo’s writing?

(see the answer keys)

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