Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools



Les Miserables Study & Annotation GuideStudent Name: ___________________________________________________________________For each of the following questions: Find the text in the book that answers the question and highlight it. Number the highlighted text with the number of the question for that section. Briefly explain how the highlighted text answers the question by writing in the margins near the highlighted text. Write the page number down on this handout where the highlighted text and comments can be found. Remember that you should also be doing the following to further annotate the book: Find at least ten vocabulary words in every book of Les Miserables (there are five books) with which you are unfamiliar in the text, highlight them, and define them in the margins. Transfer the vocabulary words to the bookmark, along with the page number where I can find it highlighted and defined. Summarize each chapter in bullet points at the end of the chapter on the last page or in the margins if there is no room at the bottom of the page. FANTINE (Book 1): Chapter 1: The FallWhat are three things that you can infer about the character of the Bishop (companion guide)? What are three most important details that give insight into the traveller’s character? Write inferences about him in the margins after highlighting in the text. Find an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. Why was Jean Valjean sent to prison? How many years did he spend in prison?What happened to Jean Valjean’s sister and her seven children (companion guide)? After he is released, what must Valjean keep with him at all times and show to anyone who asks?What evidence in the book shows that the Bishop is a trusting man?What internal conflict does Valjean wage at the Bishop’s house? What does the Bishop give to Jean Valjean? Why does he do this?What “crime” does Valjean commit at the end of the chapter? Why does this upset him so much?Chapter 2: To Entrust is Sometimes to AbandonFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. Find evidence in the companion guide to show what the relationship between Fantine and Tholomyes was like. What does this tell you about Fantine? With whom does Fantine leave Cosette? Why does she do this?Why is it ironic that Cosette’s nickname was The Lark?Are the Thenardiers trustworthy? Highlight details that show their character in this chapter and draw conclusions in the margins.Chapter 3: The DescentFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. What heroic act does unknown man perform on the day that he entered Montfermeil? How do the town and this unknown man become rich? What are three details provided in the companion about Javert that give insight into his character? Highlight the details and write your inferences in the margins. What event makes Javert question the identity of Father Madeleine? Why?How does Father Madeleine show his generosity to Fauchelevent?Chapter 4: JavertFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. What mistake does Javert confess to the Mayor?How did Javert know that he had made a mistake?Why does Javert ask to be dismissed from his position in the police force of Montfermeil? What does this tell you about his character?Chapter 5: The Champmathieu AffairFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. What is the real identity of the Mayor of Montfermeil? Other than Hugo announcing this, what details does he share to prove his statement?What is the internal conflict that he must resolve in this chapter? What does the choice he makes show about his character?What details are given about Champmathieu’s character? What can you conclude about him, based on these details?How does the Mayor prove his real identity to the court? Chapter 6: Counter-StrokeFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. What does Fantine sell in order to send more money to the Thenardiers (companion guide)?Why is Fantine arrested by Javert (companion guide)? What does this tell you about Javert?How does Fantine get out of jail (companion guide)? What is the one thing that Fantine wants Valjean to do for her before she dies? What does Valjean request of Javert? Why does he ask for this?Who is most responsible for Fantine’s death? Why?Why does Javert “tremble” before Jean Valjean?How does Valjean escape prison? What is Sister Simplice’s lie? Why does Javert believe her? COSETTE: Book TwoChapter 1: The Ship OrionFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. What does Thenardier do after the battle of Waterloo on the sunken road of Ohain? What does this reveal about his character?How does Valjean escape after he is arrested and working in the galleys again?Chapter 2: The Old Gorbeau HouseFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. What three details are most important when considering the character of Mr. and Mrs. Thenardier (companion guide)? What do those details reveal about their characters?How do the Thenardiers treat Cosette differently than their own daughters (companion guide)?Who helped Cosette carry water back from the stream in the woods (companion guide)? During the bargaining for Cosette, find at least two details where the Thenardiers show their true feelings towards the girl (companion guide).What price does Valjean have to pay to take Cosette (companion guide)? Why does he do this?Why did the old lady at Gourbeau house suspect Jean Valjean of not being who he said he was?What emotion did both Valjean and Cosette learn from each other? Why is this so significant?Why does Valjean leave Gourbeau house in the middle of the night?Chapter 3: A Dark Chase Needs a Silent HoundFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. How do Valjean and Cosette escape from the police?Who was the gardener at the convent? How does he connect to Valjean’s past?Why do the nuns let Valjean and Cosette stay at the convent?How does the convent work like an archetypal haven for Valjean?MARIUS: Book ThreeChapter 1: The Grand BourgeoisFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. How did the French government get enough galley slaves to row their ships in the navy (companion guide)?What three details provide the most insight into the character of Gavroche (companion guide)?Find three details in this chapter to give insight into the character of M. Gillenormand. What can you infer about him from these details?How many daughters did M. Gillenormand have? Chapter 2: The Grandfather and the GrandsonFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. Why did Marius’ father let his grandfather and aunt raise him after his mother died?How did Marius’ father keep up with Marius as he grew? What does this reveal about his character?How do Marius’ actions reveal how he feels about his father, both before he met him and immediately after his death? Give at least two examples from the text. What did his father’s deathbed note to Marius say? What does this show about Baron Pontmercy’s wishes for his son?What changes Marius’ attitude about his father?What does Theodule discover Marius is doing when he is away from his grandfather and aunt? What is M. Gillenormand’s reaction when he discovers where Marius has been and what he now thinks about his father?Chapter 3: The Excellence of MisfortuneFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. What did Marius do with the money that his grandfather sent him? What does this show about his character? What is the significance of the color of Marius’ coat which he bought from his friend Courfeyac? How did Marius earn money to support himself? What was his grandfather’s reaction to this new profession?Why does Marius want to find Thenardier? What does Marius do to help his neighbors, the Jondrettes? What does this reveal about his character? Chapter 4: The Conjunction of Two StarsFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. What did Marius call the father and daughter who always sat on a bench in the park where he went to walk?How long in Marius’ life did it take Cosette to blossom into a beautiful young lady? At what point did Marius fall in love with Cosette? What caused their first fight (companion guide)? What does this reveal about their relationship? What object becomes a symbol of his love for Cosette? What is ironic about this object? How does the father figure out that Marius is watching Cosette? Chapter 5: The Noxious PoorFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. What details reveal the character of the young girl who comes to Marius’ room asking for money? How do Marius’ neighbors, the Jondrettes, prepare for the philanthropist? What does this tell you about their character? When did Marius see his “Ursula” again after she moved away with her father? Who helps Marius follow Ursula to find out where she lives now (companion guide)?How does the Thenardier’s use of diction when they talk about Cosette reveal what they think about her (companion guide)? Why doesn’t Marius interfere to help M. Leblanc when he knows that his neighbors have set a trap for him? Who interrupts the possible killing of M. Leblanc in enough time for him to escape? Why is this important? What happens to the Thenardiers after this incident? Who came to the Gorbeau house the day after the Thenardiers tried to kill the philanthropist (companion guide)? Highlight the part of the text that shows his relationship to the Thendardiers. SAINT DENIS AND IDYL OF THE RUE PLUMET: Book FourChapter 1: EponineFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. Where had Eponine been for six weeks? Why was she no longer there? What news does Eponine have for Marius? How does Eponine feel about Marius? Highlight at least two examples in the text that reveal her feelings. Chapter 2: The House in the Rue PlumetFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better.Why did Valjean and Cosette leave the convent? What do Jean Valjean and Cosette see one morning when they are watching the sun rise (companion guide)? Why is this significant, considering Valjean’s past?What was Valjean’s reaction to Cosette blossoming into a beautiful young lady? What does this reveal about him as a father? What happens when Montparnasse tries to rob Jean Valjean (companion guide)? What does this further reveal about Jean Valjean? Chapter 3: Aid from Below May Be Aid from AboveWhat distracts Cosette from being heartbroken over Marius and not seeing him? How do the Thenardiers treat their other two sons (companion guide)? How does this give further insight into their character?Find at least three details of where Gavroche lives that show how he manages to survive despite adversity (companion guide). What do you learn about Gavroche through this description of his home? What do you learn about the relationship between Gavroche and his father when he breaks his father out of prison (companion guide)? Chapter 4: The End of Which is Unlike the BeginningFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. Where and how do Marius and Cosette finally profess their love for each other? What does this reveal about their relationship?Why is the word (diction) Marius chooses when he speaks to Eponine so important (companion guide)? What does it reveal about his feelings for her?Chapter 5: Enchantments and DesolationsWhy is Cosette so sad when Marius visits her in the garden? How does Marius reveal his insecurities in their relationship? Chapter 6: Where Are They Going? Find an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. What can you infer happens when Marius visits his grandfather, M. Gillenormand? What details in the text help you make this inference?Based on the introduction of the insurrection in June of 1832, what can you infer about the importance of the event on French history (companion guide)? What drives Marius to join his friends at the barricades to fight? How does Gavroche make an important contribution to the uprising? Chapter 7: Marius Enters the ShadowFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. What is Marius’ attitude about going to the barricades? What is his main purpose? Chapter 8: The Grandeurs of DespairFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. What is Enjolras’ answer to the question, “Who is there?” What does this answer and how Hugo described his voice as he answered it reveal about the rebellion?How does Marius make the enemy retreat? What does this show about his attitude? Who saves Marius’ life? What does this reveal about this person’s character? When Marius finds out where Cosette is, what does he do? What does this reveal about his character? Chapter 9: The Rue de l’Homme ArmeFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. How did Jean Valjean discover that Cosette had sent a letter to Marius? When Valjean received Marius’ letter meant for Cosette, what internal conflict consumes him? What decision can you infer that Valjean makes at the end of the chapter? JEAN VALJEAN: Book FiveChapter 1: War Between Four WallsFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. Why are five men leaving the barricades and need uniforms to sneak through enemy lines? What was the attitude of the men at the two barricades about their imminent death (companion guide)? What does this show about their character? What is Enjolras’ reaction to shooting the gunnery sergeant (companion guide)? What does this reveal about Enjolras’ character? How did Jean Valjean help the rebels when the military was firing cannons and grapeshot at them (companion guide)? When Hugo pauses the fighting scene, he shares an overview of the story and his purpose in writing it. How does he use an allusion to communicate the overall theme of the story (companion guide)? What happens to Gavroche? Why do you believe that Hugo had this happen to him? How does Valjean finally repay the Bishop for his kindness to him so many years ago when he sees Javert? How does Valjean help Marius? Why do you believe that he does this? What details of Enjolras’ death give insight into his final attitude and that of his killers, too? Chapter 2: Mire, But SoulFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. How determined is Valjean to deliver Marius to his grandfather? Highlight details of his journey through the sewers that best show this determination. Who does Valjean encounter in the sewer? Why is this an important event? Who is waiting outside the sewer when Valjean emerges with Marius? What is M. Gillenormand’s reaction to Marius’ return to his house? What does this reveal about his feelings for his grandson? What does Javert do that is unexpected when he lets Valjean return home one last time? Chapter 3: Javert Off the TrackFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. What is Javert’s greatest internal conflict? What does Javert’s final letter reveal about his character (companion guide)? Highlight at least three details that give insight into who he is and how he might have changed. What is Javert’s last act of the novel? Why do you think that he did this? Chapter 4: The Grandson and the GrandfatherFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. How long did it take for Marius to recover from his wounds? What was the one word that Marius uttered that repaired the relationship between his grandfather and himself? Why was this one word so powerful? What is the new name of Valjean and Cosette? Why do you believe that they changed names yet again? What was Cosette’s inheritance? Where did it come from? How does Cosette find out that Valjean is not her father? How does she react to this? Chapter 5: The White NightFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. What excuse does Valjean use to leave the wedding supper of Marius and Cosette? Why do you believe that he does this? What objects are symbolic for Valjean of his life with Cosette? Why are they so important to him? Chapter 6: The Last Drop in the ChaliceFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. When does Valjean tell Marius of his past? Why is this timing important? What is Marius’ reaction to the news that Valjean is a convict at first? What is Marius’ final reaction to Valjean’s news? What restrictions does he place on Valjean? What does Valjean reveal about his character when he pleads to visit Cosette? Chapter 7: The Twilight WaneFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. Where does Valjean meet with Cosette? Why does he insist on this place? How does Valjean change his relationship with Cosette through careful wording? Why does he do this? What is revealed about Cosette’s character through her reaction to Valjean’s request to change what she calls him? What gradually happened to Valjean’s visits to Cosette? Why do you believe that this happened? Chapter 8: Supreme Shadow, Supreme DawnFind an example of figurative language in this chapter (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia), highlight it, label it, and in the margins, explain how it helps the reader understand the text better. What was the cause of Valjean’s illness, according to the doctor? What does Valjean do when he thinks he is dying? Give three examples. How does Marius find out who saved him in the sewers? What happened to Thenardier? How does this reflect his true character? For Valjean, what does he say is the proof that God is good? Who did Valjean believe was the priest helping him at the end? Why is this so significant? What does the poem at the end reveal about Valjean’s life? ................
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