Les Miserables
Book I: Fantine
1. The novel opens with a raggedy, dirty traveler, Jean Valjean, entering the
town of D——. How does the traveler first experience prejudice?
2. How does the innkeeper snub Jean Valjean?
3. In order to illustrate the environment and Jean Valjean‟s state of mind,
Victor Hugo uses strong figurative language in the following excerpt.
Identify the figurative language and the effect that Victor Hugo
accomplishes by using such techniques.
The earth was then lighter than the sky, which produced a peculiarly sinister
effect, and the hill…loomed out dim and pale upon the gloomy horizon: the
whole prospect was hideous, mean, lugubrious, and insignificant. There was
nothing in the field nor upon the hill but one ugly tree, a few steps from the
traveller, which seemed to be twisting and contorting itself. (Pg. 10)
4. Jean Valjean‟s shaking his fist at the church is quite symbolic. What does it
mean?
5. What piece of advice does the good woman, Madame la Marquis de R——,
give to Jean Valjean?
6. This opening scene describes Jean Valjean‟s return to society with stark
realism. Discuss three details that contribute to this realism. How does this
realism affect Jean Valjean‟s character development?
7. While gathering necessities for supper, what does Madame Magloire learn
about Jean Valjean?
8. After the bishop tells Madame Magloire to set another plate, why does Jean
Valjean reiterate that fact that he is considered a dangerous criminal?
9. Describe the bishop‟s character, citing his words and actions, as well as what
others say about him.
10. The bishop calls Jean Valjean monsieur. What is the significance of this
title? Explain the metaphor that Victor Hugo uses to represent this
significance.
11. What advice does the bishop share with Jean Valjean after he recounts his
suffering in prison?
12. What warning does Jean Valjean issue to the bishop as they walk to their
rooms?
13. Recount Jean Valjean‟s life, from childhood to his conviction.
14. How many years did Jean Valjean spend in prison, and why was his sentence
lengthened?
15. What effect did the galleys have on Jean Valjean?
16. What is the significance of the following quote? “Liberation is not
deliverance. A convict may leave the galleys behind, but not his
condemnation.”
17. When Jean Valjean awakes, what deviant act does he contemplate?
18. As Jean Valjean stands beside the bishop‟s bed, he encounters two
spectacles that attempt to alter his decision. What are they, and do they
succeed?
19. Madame Magloire expresses extreme concern over the lost silver. Why is
the bishop upset? How does he respond to her, and what does this tell the
reader about his personality?
20. When the gendarmes return Jean Valjean to the bishop, what is Monseigneur
Bienvenu‟s response?
21. After the gendarmes leave, the bishop reminds Jean Valjean of his promise
to use the silver to become an honest man. Jean Valjean has no recollection
of this promise. Why does the bishop say this?
22. What do the following words, spoken by the bishop, represent? “„Jean
Valjean, my brother, you belong no longer to evil, but to good. It is your soul
that I am buying for you. I withdraw it from dark thoughts and from the
spirit of perdition, and I give it to God!‟” (Pg. 30)
23. When Jean Valjean awakes from his transfixed state and realizes that he
has stolen Petit Gervais‟ money, what does he do? How does this signify that
Jean Valjean has changed?
24. Light is an important symbol in Les Misérables. How is light used in this
chapter, and what does it represent?
25. Explain the allusion used to explain the size of the chains in the following
quote. “Under the axle-tree hung festooned a huge chain fit for a Goliath of
the galleys.” (Pg. 41)
26. What does Fantine ask of Madame Thénardier, and why does she make this
request?
27. Under what condition do the Thénardiers agree to Fantine‟s request?
28. In Les Misérables, Victor Hugo frequently compares children to angels.
When he does so in this section, what does the metaphor represent?
29. What can be inferred about Thénardier‟s personality by the following
comment? “„You have proved a good mousetrap with your little ones.‟” (Pg.
40)
30. Explain the meaning of the following metaphor. “The captured mouse was a
very puny one, but the cat exulted even over a lean mouse.” (Pg. 41)
31. To which social class do the Thénardiers belong?
32. How do the Thénardiers treat Cosette?
33. Why does Fantine allow this treatment?
34. Why is the lark an appropriate metaphor for Cosette?
35. Explain the significance of this quote. “Only the poor lark never sang.” (Pg.
43)
36. What is Jean Valjean‟s new identity? How does he successfully assume a new
name?
37. As Father Madeleine, how does Jean Valjean follow the bishop‟s orders?
38. Why does Father Madeleine agree to become the mayor of M—— sur M——?
39. How much money does Father Madeleine keep with Laffitte?
40. Father Madeleine, now named Monsieur Madeleine, eventually earns the
trust and support of everyone in M—— sur M——. How do the people
demonstrate this total acceptance?
41. What one man distrusts Monsieur Madeleine? How does Monsieur Madeleine
react to this man?
42. Who is Father Fauchelevent, and what is his opinion of Monsieur Madeleine?
43. How and why does Monsieur Madeleine first affirm Javert‟s suspicions that
he is Jean Valjean?
44. What further kindness does Monsieur Madeleine show Father Fauchelevent?
45. How does Javert react to Monsieur Madeleine following the cart incident?
Why does he act this way?
46. Why does Javert visit Monsieur Madeleine? How does this interaction define
Javert’s character?
47. Since leaving the bishop, to what has Jean Valjean dedicated his life?
48. . Explain the meaning of the following metaphor. “…all that he had done up to
this day was only a hole that he was digging in which to bury his name.”
49. Monsieur Madeleine experiences a strong internal conflict after his meeting
with Javert. He ponders, “To remain in paradise and there become a demon!
To re-enter into hell and there become an angel!” What is the meaning of
this quote, and what does Monsieur Madeleine decide?
50. What are the charges made against Jean Valjean?
51. Describe Father Champmathieu‟s presence in the courtroom.
52. Who are the court‟s witnesses against Champmathieu?
53. Monsieur Madeleine describes the changes he has made since his youth,
being hardened by prison and being reformed by kindness. Regardless, he
must confess to the theft of Petit Gervais‟ money and accept the
consequences. Explain the social commentary and the irony presented by this
situation.
54. Fantine, who is deathly ill, is compared to an angel. What does this
comparison assert about Fantine?
55. What has Monsieur Madeleine promised Fantine?
56. What does Fantine‟s reaction to Javert imply?