1) Prior to this excerpt, Jean Valjean was imprisoned by the government of France for stealing a loaf of bread. In this passage he is shown mercy after parole by the Bishop, a member of the church. Which of the following do you think is the best social commentary Hugo is making about the state of France during this time?
A) The power of the government is stronger than any other societal structure in place.
B) People of France are mistreated by all aspects of their society; no one is safe.
C) The people of France can truly find "sanctuary" in the church when they are unjustly persecuted by the government.
D) The only place the people of France can turn for consolation is to each other.
2) Which of the following is the best thematic statement for the passage?
A) A person can always change, no matter what mistakes he has in his past.
B) A person's intelligence can be indicative of his social status.
C) A truly virtuous man will always choose the correct path.
D) Old habits truly will die hard.
3) This passage was written using third-person point of view. Which of the following would not happen if it had been written in first-person point of view?
A) The passage would be more biased towards Valjean.
B) Readers would be more aware of Valjeans logic & motivation for his actions.
C) Readers may be more empathetic towards Valjean because they would be more aware of his emotional state.
D) Valjean would effectively be able to communicate the thoughts and feelings of others.
