Les Miseráble

Term Report Due 5.20.05

Material is to be typed. Use quotes with page reference numbers to support your discussion.

1. Victor Hugo is a master at character development. The reader is able to easily see into the mind, the conscious and the subconscious of every major character. Each of Victor Hugo’s characters has his/her own ‘monster’ to combat. Describe each of the following characters, explain their ‘monster’, their trials, and their personality traits. Use at least three quotes for each to prove and support your description giving page and paragraph citation for each quote.

Jean Valjean

Cosette

Javert

Marius Pontmercy

Fantine

2. What do you feel is the most important concept presented in Les Miseráble that is relevant today? Discuss Hugo’s presentation of this concept. Explain it, illustrate it with quotes (cite page and paragraph) and then explain how this relates to society today.

3. Each of our study units has had a list of “Concepts.” List as many of these concepts that you feel are reflected in Les Miseráble and explain how they are presented by Victor Hugo.

4. It could be argued that Javert represents the extreme “Classical” mindset and Valjean represents the ‘true’ Romantic mindset. Explain.

5. Throughout the novel there are examples of the conflict between the law, doing what is legally correct, and humanity, doing that which is compassionate and ‘right.’ Describe at least two of these situations that are in the novel and then explain how these situations relate to the way you conduct your own life.