Les Miserables Flashcards
Flashcard maker : Deacon Kirby
Verisimilitude
The appearance of being real
Romanticism
A movement in the arts and literature that originated in the late 18th century, emphasizing inspiration, subjectivity, and the primacy of the individual
Lyrical
Appeal to the senses
Naturalism
Natural is the only reality
Why was Valjean turned away from the various inns he entered?
He used to be a prisoner
He tried sleeping in both a ____ and a ______
Prison & dog house
What was Valjean’s original crime?
Stealing bread for his niece
How long did Valjean serve?
19 years
What did Valjean steal from the bishop who was so kind to him?
His silver
Explain “liberation is not deliverance”
Just because you’re out of prison doesn’t mean you’re free
What was the bishops explanation to the police for Valjean’s possession of the silver?
He said he gave it to him
What gift did the bishop give to Valjean? What final admonition?
His best candlesticks- the bishop wanted Valjean to become an honest man
Who was Petit Gervais?
An orphan boy- Valjean took his money
What did Valjean do with the money?
He gave it to a priest to give to the poor
Where did he go for repentance and forgiveness?
The door of the bishop
What do Cosette’s clothes reveal about her mother?
She puts Cosette before herself
Why did Fantine ask Mme. Thenardier to keep her child for her?
Her work didn’t allow children
How did the Thenardier family abuse Cosette?
They sold her clothes and beat her frequently and fed her scraps
What became Cosette’s nickname? Why is it ironic?
The lark- she never sings
What is a Savoyard?
A section of France (also refers to a child chimney sweep)
What change did the stranger make in the manufacturing system of the small community?
He invented a time saving, more efficient way of making goods, reducing the cost of goods and bringing in more money
What was Father Madeleine’s motto?
Be honest
What position did Madeleine take in the community?
Mayor
What kindness did Madeleine do for the poor?
He gave them alms
Who was Javert?
A police inspector
Of whom was Javert most suspicious? On what physical trait did he base his suspicions?
Madeleine- his strength
Who was Fauchelevent? Why did he hate Madeleine?
Car man and enemy of Madeleine- they were competitors
How did Madeleine save Fauchelevent?
He lifted the cart with his great strength
Why did that act of kindness almost condemn him back to the galleys?
He almost revealed who he was to Javert
Who was Champmathieu? Who “verified” his identity?
A poor man- Javert
How did Valjean’s baptismal name seem to add to Javert’s conclusions?
Javert though it was an alias because the names were so close
After a long night of introspection, what did Valjean conclude he must do?
Turn himself in
The only different between the courtroom where he had been condemned and the one he faced now was a simple _____
Crucifix
Describe Champmathieu’s testimony to the court
He does a poor job of defending himself but he states why he couldn’t have done it
What’s the courts conclusion about Champmathieu’s testimony?
They don’t believe him
Identify Brevet, Chenildieu, and Cochepaille
All are convicts
Explain how Valjean proved his identity in the courtroom
He described things about the convicts that nobody knew about (such as their scars)
What was the reaction of the judge and the prosecutors?
They were shocked and confused
What is Fantine’s condition when Valjean arrives?
Very bad
Whose voice is heard in the courtyard?
A child
When Javert arrives, what request does Madeleine make?
He wants to find Cosette
Why did Madeleine threaten Javert?
Because he wouldn’t let him have a moment
Where did Javert imprison Valjean?
In the galleys
What face terrified Fantine just before her death?
Javert
Why did Valjean ask for three days before reporting to Javert for imprisonment?
To find Cosette
How did the city react to the arrest of M. Madeleine?
Sensation/ extraordinary commotion
Explain the phrase “veneration for all authority” as it applies to Javert. Give example
He deeply respected all authority. He completely believed Sister Simplice
Where did Valjean go immediately after he left his home? Why?
He went to the woods to dig up his money to buy Cosette a dress
Explain the allusion “Herculean strength”
More strength than he should have- mythology
What sentence did Valjean receive when he returned to the galleys at Toulon?
Life
Explain the significance of wearing red and green
Red=prisoner
Green=prisoner for life
Green=prisoner for life
How did Valjean risk his life for the man at the Orion?
He carried a falling sailor to safety
Why did bystanders assume Valjean died after his fall
Because he didn’t resurface
What did Valjean do as soon as he reached shore at Cape Brun?
He went to find Cosette
Where did Valjean and Cosette reside in Paris?
In the old Gorbeau house and then a convent
If the bishop evoked the dawn of virtue, what did Cosette’s presence bring?
Love
Although he was a beggar, what reputation did Valjean gain?
The beggar who gives alms
How did Valjean know he was being watched?
He saw her looking through the keyhole
How did he use his strength to help himself and Cosette escape?
He climbed up a wall and helped Cosette up
Who was the man in the garden who came to their aid?
Fauchelevent
Why did he wear a bell attached to his left knee?
So that the nuns will be aware when he comes near
What story did Fauchelevent tell the prioress?
That Valjean was his brother
Why was M. Gillenormand so peculiar?
He didn’t allow for compassion- more of an authority figure than a grandfather
How was Mlle. Gillenormand such a prude?
Poverty to half a virtue and half a vice
Who was George Pontmercy?
Marius’ dad
When he was eighteen, why did Marius go to see Pontmercy?
He heard that his father was dying and his father requested to see hin
What information was left in the note he left for Marius?
That M. Thenardier saved his life and Marius must do everything he can to protect Thenardier
What information did Marius learn from the old churchwarden?
That his dad actually loved him
When Marius left for three or four days at a time, what conclusion did his grandfather make?
That Marius was visiting a girl/prostitute
Who followed Marius to spy on him?
His cousin
According to Theodule, the lass was a ____
Tomb
What did Marius wear around his neck on a black ribbon?
His dad’s medal
What did Marius do with the money his grandfather sent?
He sent it back every time
How did Marius’ life change life change when he left home?
He became very poor and he found the type of man he truly is
What alias did the Thenardier family assume?
Jondrette
Who were Lenoire and Leblanc?
Cosette and Valjean
What was his impression of Lenoire the first year? How did it change the second year?
Marius was drawn to Cosette but didn’t find her attractive. The second year she became a beautiful lady and he fell in love with her
Explain the reference to Petrarch and Dante
They are both in love with a girl from afar. Both had love at first sight
What do the initials U.F. stand for?
Ultimus Fauchelevent
Why did Valjean and Cosette leave their home again?
Partly because Valjean thought Javert was tracking them and partly because he didn’t want Cosette to fall in love and leave him.
What are the lies the Jondrettes use to obtain M. Leblanc’s and his daughter’s compassion and help?
Poor and starving; daughter hurt in factory
Who is Jondrette? Why does he posses such as hatred for M. Leblanc?
Valjean got Cosette for a cheap price- 1500 francs
Why does Marius wait to act to save Leblanc and his daughter?
He hesitates because he wants to live out his fathers request of protecting the Thenardiers.
Why does Jondrette abandon his plan when Javert arrives?
They thought they would get arrested
Explain the reason that Jean wants to leave the convent with its safety.
He wants Cosette to see the world and not get forced into the religious life of that’s not what she wants.
Which man in the barricade is the spy? What happens to him?
Javert- they capture him
In what way does Jean get the message to Cosette from Marius who was at the barricade? What are Jean’s actions after reading it?
Gavroche gives it to him- he wants Marius to live
If the soldiers do not retreat, what does Marius say he will do?
Blow everyone up
Compare Gavroche and Marius’ relationship to Pontmercy and Thenardier’s.
Both sons have been abandoned by their fathers in some way and, although poor, they both see their freedom differently than if they still lived with their parents.
How does the battle at the barricade end?
All die except for Marius and Valjean
What difficulties must Valjean overcome in the sewers of Paris as he carries Marius?
Thenardier and Javert
Explain the reason Javert kills himself
He didn’t want to be in debt to a criminal
Explain the reason that Valjean acts as though he is injured as Marius and Cosette are married.
So he doesn’t have to sign the marriage license because he doesn’t want Cosette to know everything.
Explain the reason for Valjean’s depressions after the wedding of Cosette and Marius
Losing Cosette was losing everything
How does Thenardier convince Marius that he’s telling the truth?
He showed him the material he took from the ‘victim’
Explain how Marius fulfills his duty to Thenardier.
He gives him money.
What are Valjean’s last request before his death?
No name on his tombstone
Parents were both criminals
Javert
Accepts authority
Both
Total faith in self
Javert
Rigid obedience to the rules
Javert
Strives to protect fellow citizens
Both
High noble principles
Both
Contributed to Fantine’s fall
Both
Supported divine right
Javert
Upholds the law with no consideration for consequences
Javert
Spent a lot of time in jail
Both
Learns tolerance and understanding
Jean Valjean
Questions the court’s fairness
Jean Valjean
Questions himself at every turn
Jean Valjean
Enlightenment
Jean Valjean
