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It is a big, big, versatile part with so many familiar characters being actively involved in the narrative.

1. Jean Valjean's role has gradually been diminishing recently in the novel. Do you think it has something to do with his age and or he has already played a leading role in the novel, and now he is mostly in the background?

2. Marius and Cosette have happily confessed that they are in love with each other. Do you think this is the logical end of this plot line or are there any trials and tribulations in store for a happy couple?

3. Gavroche as a character has become much more prominent, and I feel how he is becoming involved into the fabric of the big arch. He has witnessed how ostensibly Valjean managed to counteract Montparnasse and thus stirred some Robin Hoodesque feelings in Gavroche. He also helped his brothers without knowing who they are and unknowingly helped his father to escape the prison with his cohorts.
What do you think about Gavroche? Is Hugo trying to romanticize street urchins? Is he the most believable character so far?

4. Aren't the Thenardiers the most loving parents in the world?

5. How do you feel about book VII? As a linguist, I enjoyed most of it as it was an interesting but slightly opinionated foray in the history of the French language. What do you think about this book?

6. Do you agree with Hugo's viewpoint that slang is a signal of poverty and deprivation? How do you interpret the following phrase, 'Slang is a word made convict'?


Happy reading!

I assumed that Jean Valjean would be the central figure throughout the novel, but given the amount of time that can pass between sections and how old he is now, it seems reasonable that he will begin to take a lesser role. Also, now that Marius and Cosette have found each other, it seems natural that they will be central to the plot from here on out. As for "now Marius and Cosette can live on as a happy couple"? No, absolutely not! Given the title of the book, there are bound to be more obstacles.

Oh, I absolutely loved it when Gavroche snatched the bag of money and instead of running away with it (as I assumed he would do), he flung it over the hedge to the old man! I was so taken by surprise by that and then also laughed at the old man's response to finding a bag of money fall from the heavens, what a great scene!

I do like Gavroche. I liked how he took his brothers under his wing without knowing who they were. But it was LIKE he was their big brother anyway, showing them that he knew the ins-and-outs of living on the streets and he was proud to show them what he knew and how to get by. I don't know if his life is romanticized. I mean, sleeping in an old elephant body outfitted with it's own rat population? No thanks. But on the other hand, Gavroche did tell the boys "what fun they would have" as he proceeded to list off all the activities he would show them, so perhaps in that regard his life is being romanticized.

"4. Aren't the Thenardiers the most loving parents in the world?" Ha! I laughed out loud when I read that. To have your own father not recognize you after playing the critical role in his escape from prison? Who wouldn't want a father like that? :)

Linda wrote: "Who wouldn't want a father like that? :) "

Indeed, who wouldn't!

I actually enjoyed the section on language. It was a bit long-winded, but as someone who enjoys language and how language changes over time, I found it rather fascinating.

I also enjoyed this section, but it is professional. On the other hand, I wonder how his contemporary readers related to this passage.

I did rather enjoy Gavroche and his adventures. Funny how he keeps running into his family members (oh those coincidences). It seems he is a good kid deep down despite his horrible parents, but does what he needs to do to get by.

I am fully expecting Marius and Cosette to get found out and her "father" to be incredibly upset, perhaps preventing them from seeing each other any longer. I still think he's a bit creepy, hiding in the garden and watching her even though she was unaware he was there... I was glad when he finally left the note on the bench and came out to see her already!

Finally, the language section. I agree - as a linguist I was fascinated by the section, but I felt his writing was a bit dry there. I wanted to suck up the information, but at the same time found myself flipping ahead to see how long this would go on. But I did mark a few sections there to re-read later :)

Deana wrote: " I still think he's a bit creepy, hiding in the garden and watching her even though she was unaware he was there... I was glad when he finally left the note on the bench and came out to see her already!"

He is definitely love sick. On second thought, you are right - he is creepy, but it might also be true that he is creepy by modern standards when people are often open about their emotional intentions and dating has become more casual.

Marius is still a character of the yearly and mid nineteenth century, and notes were the usual way of communicating.

Honestly, I found his love sufferings slightly off putting, but I think I am again using modern standards :-)