Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- How responsible is Jean Valjean for his financial success? How responsible is Bishop Myriel for it? Does it matter?
- Why is Inspector Javert so committed to catching Jean Valjean? Support your answer with evidence from the text.
- How does Javert react when Jean Valjean saves his life? Why? What does it tell us about the theme of justice in this book?
- Do you find Bishop Myriel's kindness believable? Why or why not?
- What main lesson do you take away from Les Misérables? Is it a convincing one? Why or why not?
- What do you make of the fact that the second half of this book focuses on a failed 1832 revolt? Why didn't Hugo choose a more successful rebellion from history?
- Which character in this book do you have the most sympathy for? Why?
- Which character do you have the least sympathy for? Why?
- Why is this book so long? Does it need to be, or could Hugo have gotten his point across in, say, 350 words?
- Do you find the ending of this book hopeful, pessimistic, or neither? Why?