Les Miserables Flashcards
A prominent French writer, poet, and playwright, best known for his novels Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.
Victor Hugo
Who is the author of Les Misérables?
Victor Hugo (1802 - 1885)
A prominent French writer known for advocating social justice and human rights.
What literary movement was Victor Hugo a key figure in?
The French Romantic literary movement
Hugo’s work often addressed themes of social justice and political reform.
What motivated Victor Hugo to write Les Misérables?
To shed light on the plight of the poor and oppressed in French society
He aimed to expose the injustices of the legal and political systems.
In what year was Les Misérables written?
1862
What is the main plot of Les Misérables?
The life of Jean Valjean, a former convict seeking redemption while facing discrimination and hardship
The story also includes themes of love, sacrifice, and social injustice.
Who is the main character of Les Misérables?
Jean Valjean
What central themes does Les Misérables explore?
Redemption, love, sacrifice, and social injustice
True or False: Les Misérables was widely praised in France upon its release.
False
While a commercial success, it faced debates about its literary merit.
What was one of the criticisms regarding the length and style of Les Misérables?
The novel’s length (over 1,400 pages) and extensive digressions frustrated some readers
Who was the bishop that helped Valjean?
Bishop Myriel
What moral lesson does Les Misérables convey about true justice?
It lies not in punishment but in understanding and mercy
What societal issues does Les Misérables address?
Poverty, inequality, and corruption
What was Victor Hugo’s stance on the death penalty?
He advocated for its abolition
Fill in the blank: Hugo was exiled for his opposition to _______’s regime.
Napoleon III
What impact did Victor Hugo’s work have on literature and politics?
It shaped French culture and inspired future generations of writers and reformers
What did Victor Hugo hope to achieve with books like Les Misérables?
To address ignorance and misery in society
Other than Les Miserables, what is Victor Hugo’s other work?
Hunchback of Notre Dame
Where was Victor born?
Besançon, France
When was Victor born?
1802
When did Victor Die?
1805
Who’s regime did he oppose to get exiled?
Napoleon III
the 6 controversies around Les Miserables
- Criticism and Social Commentary
- Religious Concerns
- Length and Style
- Reception in France and Abroad
- Moral Ambiguity of Characters
- Censorship concerns
How many years did Valjean spend in prison?
19
