Book Two: Cosette The Ship Orion: Les Miserables Study Guide
Book Two: Cosette The Ship Orion: Les Miserables Study Guide
Date: _______________________________________
1. What is the importance of the newspaper articles from the Drapeau Blanc and the Journal de
Paris, dated July 25, 1823?
The arrest of jean valjean.
SHOWING THAT THE CHAIN OF THE IRON RING MUST NEEDS HAVE UNDERGONE A
CERTAIN PREPARATION TO BE THUS BROKEN BY ONE BLOW OF THE HAMMER
3. For what reason does Jean Valjean escape from the galleys?
He fakes his death
4. Jean Valjean, alive and having concealed himself from the police, rescues Cosette. What does he
buy for her, and why does he make this purchase?
He buys her a mourning dress for fantine.
MASTER GORBEAU
6. Love is a strong, yet common emotion. Why is it peculiar to Jean Valjean and Cosette?
neither of them have felt this type of love.
7. Jean Valjean’s love for Cosette is so strong that it causes a “…second white vision.” What is the
significance of the white vision?
its another big change in his life.
8. In what ways do Cosette and Jean Valjean provide support for each other?
Cosette gives him a purpose and valjean cares for her.
9. How does Victor Hugo continue the comparison between Jean Valjean and an owl?
Both of them only go out at night.
10. What name do the people in the quarter give to Jean Valjean?
Begger who gives alms
11. Describe the landlady, and explain how she poses a threat to Jean Valjean.
she is very nosey.
12. Who is the beggar in the street, and why is he compared to a tiger?
Javert, he is on the prowl for valjean
15. How does Victor Hugo create suspense when Jean Valjean reaches the secluded corner?
He has to figure out how to get cosette over the wall.
WHICH WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE WERE THE STREET LIGHTS LIGHTED WITH GAS
17. Why does Jean Valjean feel that the galleys would now be “…a life in death”?
He wouldn’t be able to take care of cosette.
18. How does Jean Valjean escape?
He ties cosette to the rope and pulls her over.
COMMENCEMENT OF AN ENIGMA
19. Once hidden behind the wall, Cosette and Jean Valjean hear singing. What is the significance of
the singing?
they think they are hearing angels.
20. What can be inferred about Jean Valjean’s character from this scene in which he gives Cosette
his coat?
he is selfless.
21. What does Jean Valjean realize is the basis of his life?
Cosette and her well being.
22. What conflict does Jean Valjean face when he hears the bell?
He wants to ask for help but doesn’t know how the people will react.
SUCCESSFUL EXAMINATION
26. What story do Jean Valjean and Father Fauchelevent invent to procure Valjean’s and Cosette’s
places at the convent? ULTIMUS
valjean is F’s brother and cosette is valjeans granddaughter.
THE CLOSE
27. What does Jean Valjean keep in the small valise? Why does he always keep the key in his
pocket?
cosettes morning dress.
28. How does the Church save Jean Valjean a second time? Include in your answer the manner in
which the church initially saved him.
gives him and cosette a place to hide.