Lauren Caffarelli Blog Post #3 ORPHANS

Orphans

Blog Post #3

Topic D

April 30, 2015

By: Lauren Caffarelli

            In the third section of Les Miserables, another character named Marius is introduced who also is estranged from his family.  Similarily, both Cosette and Jean Valjean are left without a family.  Although they find safety and comfort in one another, Marius is left to fend for himself after he leaves his family.  This motif of orphans and estranged family members reveals the importance of finding strength in oneself or others to stay motivated.

            Cosette and Jean Valjean create a strong father-daughter bond between each other that provides commitment and a purpose in their lives.  Jean Valjean experiences his “first love” with Cosette (123).  This strong sense of responsibility motivates Jean Valjean to do everything he can to protect and support Cosette.  She gives him the opportunity to become an honest and caring man after being sent to prison for a second time.  Cosette also begins “to love this kind old friend” (124).  She is very grateful that he rescued her from horrid living conditions and brought her to safety.

            Marius leaves his grandfather’s home because he is distraught after learning the truth about his father.  He can’t believe he has been lied to his entire life.  Throughout his young life, his father is depicted as an evil, unloving “bandit,” while he really is a compassionate gentleman who wants the best for his son (162). While living on his own, Marius has to find strength within himself to keep living. Trying to escape “the cud of bitterness,” he learns to be happy with the little things (181).  He is motivated by making the best out of his situation.  Marius is able to thrive off of very little.

            These three characters overcome their estranged family situations.  Each of them is an orphan in their own way, and they find strength in themselves to create a new life.

Disscussion #3 Led by Caitlin

Lead By: Caitlin Cook
Notetaker: Ali Cepon

*We started off this disscussion by talking about what happend in the beginning of the section Marius.

1. Does wealth spoil ones character?
         - Yes and No. If wealth is one's number one responsibility then yes it will spoil             one's character. But, if one puts family and morals before things like money then         no it won't spoil one's character.
2. Describe the relationship between Marius and his grandfather. How is it similar or different to Jean and Cosette's relationship?
        - When Marius was young his mother died so his grandfather gave Marius' father         a choice: keep your son and he gets no inheiritance or give me your son and he            will be wealthy. The dad gives Marius over thinking that is what is best.
       - There relationship is forced unlike Jeans and Cosettes. Also they are related by            blood but treat each other as strangers unlike Jean and Cosette.
3. What do you think of Marius' decision to walk out on his grandfather and refuse the money he is offered every month?
       - It shows that he is his own man.
       - He won't except the money because he wants to cut his grandfather off because         he lied to him his whole life. Also, if he accepted the money then he would owe his       grandfather, and he doesn't want that to happen.
4. How important is family in developing ones character?
        - Very important. You get your character from your family. Your family is what             shapes you into you.
5. Why did Marius' aunt have him followed by his cousin?
       - She had him followed to find out what he was doing. They thought he was                    sleeping around with other women, but he was actually visiting his dad's grave.
6. Why did Marius' dad go to the church on certain days at a certain time? What does this show?
        - He went on certain days at certain times to see his son.
        - This shows that he really loves his son and he wants the best for him. He                      sacraficed his relationship with his son so his son can live a better life.

Completing the Work of the Bishop -Blog # 2- Lauren Caffarelli

Completing the Work of the Bishop

-Blog Post #2-

Topic A

April 24, 2015

By: Lauren Caffarelli

In Les Miserables, Jean Valjean comes full circle by helping others after he is helped by the bishop. "The convent contributed, like Cosette, to confirm and complete, in Jean Valjean, the work of the bishop" (149).  This quote exemplifies the development of Jean Valjean from a convict to a man of integrity.  After allowing Jean Valjean to spend a night in the convent, the bishop makes Jean Valjean promise to "become an honest man" (33).  Jean Valjean recognizes the kindness of the bishop and vows to turn from his evil ways and help others.  

Cosette allows Jean Valjean to have a purpose in life.  He lives to protect her, his "first love" (123).  He is fulfilling his promise of devoting himself to the good of others by saving Cosette from horrid living conditions and by caring for her.

In addition, he has completed the work of the bishop by returning to a convent.  In the novel, convents symbolize an accepting and open haven.  The first time Jean Valjean stays in a convent, the bishop is the only one in the town to offer Jean Valjean food to eat and a place to stay.  He would have been alone in the streets if not for the welcoming attitude of the bishop.  Now, Jean Valjean and Cosette make the convent their safe house.  The convent allows Jean Valjean to return the kindness originally given to him by the bishop and to complete the work of the bishop through gratitude and love.

Jean Valjean and Cosette vs Liesel and Papa~Blog post #2~ Topic H~ April 24, 2015~ By Ali Cepon

Ali Cepon

Ms.Molyneaux

H. English, Per.B

April 24, 2015

Jean Valjean and Cosette vs Liesel and Papa

           

In Victor Hugos's Les Miserables the main character Jean Valjean rescues Fantine's daughter, Cosette, who is living with a family that treats her like a peasant, just like how Hans saves Liesel from her mother in The Book Thief. In the beginning of Les Mis, Fantine puts her daughter's life in the hands of the Thenardieds. They "look upon the little girl as a child which they sheltered for charity, and treated her as such," Cosette "became the servant of the house" (46-47). Jean Valjean knows Fantine, while she is alive, and he promises her that he will rescue her daughter. Even though Fantine passes away, he still keeps his promise. Jean Valjean rescues "Cosette from the clutches of the Thenardiers," and together they make their way to the Old Gorbeau House (118). In the old house Jean Valjean teaches his little Cosette, who "called him Father," how to read and spell (125). They spend everyday together and each day they grow closer and closer. "Something new was entering" Jean Valjean's "soul," love (123). This same relationship occurs in The Book Thief. Liesel's mom sends her to a new house where she will live a better life then she is given, just like Fantine. Instead of being treated poorly by her new parents Liesel is welcomed into her new home with loving arms. She immediately connects with her new Papa, Hans. She begins calling him Papa and treating him like her real Papa. Hans teaches her how to read and write, and soon they begin to love each other. These two relationships show that you don't need to be related by blood in order to really care and love someone.

Like Father, Like Daughter -Blog Post #2- Topic C April 23, 2015 by Colleen Kadowaki

Colleen Kadowaki
Molyneaux
English-B
23 April 2015

Like Father, Like Daughter

            In the novel "Les Misérables" there is an unspoken bond between Jean Valjean and Cosette and together, they save each other from darkness in their own lives. When Jean first rescues Cosette from the Thénardiers, "something new was entering his soul" (123). They grow closer as he teaches her to read and spell. Their connection is as close as a father and daughter and Cosette even calls Jean "father, and knew him by no other name" (125) Jean physically saves Cosette from her terrible fate, but Cosette saves Jean in a different way. While saving him from his own darkness, she gives him a purpose in life. Cosette becomes Jeans reason to live and to Jean, life without Cosette would be "a life in death" (134). This shows how important Cosette has become to Jean and losing her would crush him. Jean now has a reason to be an honest man and a way to fully become one. By taking on the fatherly role, she "confirm[s] and complete[s]...the work of the bishop" (149). He wants to be a good example for her so she can have a good life. Jean and Cosette truly love each other and clearly have a connection nothing can break. They find refuge with each other and Jean "is the support of this child and this child [is] his prop and staff" (125). Having each other is a necessity as they begin their new life together

Blog Post #2 Topic C

Caitlin Cook

Ms. Molyneaux

Honors English- B

24 April 2015

Jean and Cosette's Relationship

In Victor Hugo's, Les Misérables, Jean and Cosette's relationship develops into an unbreakable loving relationship. They both need another in their lives, and while Jean is there for Cosette physically, Cosette is there for him emotionally. They are willing to trust each other because they have saved each other from some of the negative components of their lives. This allows them to help each other and be able to rely on one another for support. They grow to be each others life line and were willing to do anything in order to not lose one another. In fact, Cosette becomes Jeans "first love," which takes a step forward in their relationship (123). The relationship grows to be like a relationship between a father and his daughter. The unconditional love that a father has for his daughter is very much like the love that Jean has for Cosette. He admits that the thought out losing her would be like a "life in death" (134). Therefore, Jean sees himself as a father of Cosette and would do anything to protect her. This allows the relationship between Cosette and Jean to grow and develop.

Discussion #2 Led by Ali

Discussion Leader: Ali Cepon

Note Taker: Caitlin Cook

Discussion Notes #2

1. How does Cosette change Jean Valjean’s attitude toward life?

• Cosette was the first person Jean ever loved
• Colleen brought up the quote about how the convent finished the work of the bishop in Jean (page 149)
• Jean would risk anything for her--he stole a robe off the ground to give to her (page 136)

2. How do Jean Valjean and Cosette “save” eachother?

• Jean saves her from the family
• keeps her out of harms way
• Ali brought up how Jean saved Cosette physically and she saves Jean emotionally

3. Where do Jean Valjean and Cosette find refuge(at the end of the chapter)? Why is this an ideal place for them to stay?

• they take refuge in a convent
• no one will find them because can’t enter and exit all they want
• no men are allowed so no one will look for Jean there
• Lauren connected this back to the bishop

4. Who is the old woman in the house? Do you think she has anything to do with Jean Valjean being found?

• she is either a maid or owner of the house
• think she saw his bank bill and got scared so she turned him in (page 126-127)

5. Who do you think the new resident is?

• Javert

6. What does Jean Valjean fear more than prison?

• losing Cosette

Discussion #1 led by Lauren

Discussion Leader: Lauren
Note Taker: Colleen

Discussion Notes #1

 1. Background on Jean Valjean
-Caitlin found the quote on page 3 that gives a description of Jean
-Jailtime
--First sentence was unreasonable, an alternative punishment could have been paying a fine
--his other 14 years were his own fault
--pg 17: 5 years for burgalary and 14 for escape attempts

2. Why didn't the bishop condemn Jean?
-Ali pointed out that the bishop just tried to see the good in Jean
-The bishop was known for helping rejects because he took in anyone regardless of their papers.

3. Reread and discuss scene with Petit: Why did Jean do what he did?
-talked about the general plot of the scene
-Lauren pointed out that since everyone was treating Jean like a thief, he was starting to sink into that role.
-Colleen said that when he refused to give the boy his coin, he felt in control, whereas when everyone turned him away, he was not in control of what was happening.
-When he felt remorse, it was too late

4. Why did Fantine give up Cosette?
 -she wanted a better life for her daughter
-Ali compare Cosette to Cinderella because the "adoptive" parents treated her badly and put her to work
-Colleen said that the mother truely though her daughter was having a good life and that allowed he to keep looking for work

5. How does Jean start over?
-Caitlin said that it all started when he saved the children from the fire and they called him father Madeleine.
-In addition to Caitlin's comment, Colleen said that he saw this as an opportunity and from this point on, he tried not to look back on his old life.
-Ali found it funny that people think he is crazy because he is so charitable
-because of his charity, they give him a position of authority which shows respect and admiration.

6. Why did Jean help Father Fauchelevent? even though Jean and Fauchelevent do not get along.
-He wants to change his reputation
-Caitlin remembered that there was a crowd and it was the right thing to do
-Lauren wondered if he really changed or is it just a show to change his reputation.
-Caitlin pointed out that reputation is very important to the people

7. Discuss the scene with Champmathieu
-Ali found on page 85 where it talks about how they lived in the same village and had the same job.
-Colleen said that Jeans mother had the same maiden name
Why would he turn himself in?
-Lauren said that is a sign that he really has changed
-Ali said that it is a sign that he accepts himself
-Caitlin and Colleen both say that it is his way of becoming the honest man that the bishop saw
-he is trying to fulfill the role of being mayor
-Colleen thought that this was a major turning point in Jeans transformation.

8. Why is the section named Fantine?
-the section is how Jean becomes mayor and helps Fantine
-Prediction: the name of each section is the name of the person Jean helps

Blog Post #1

Jean Valjean’s Change of Heart

-Blog post #1-

Topic B

April 17, 2015

By: Lauren Caffarelli

Recently released from prison after 19 years, Jean Valjean’s soul and entire being are hardened.  He enters jail “shuddering and sobbing” and “went out sullen” (25).  Jean Valjean is in prison for 19 years and endures many hardships.  Prison changes him into a man who is in a state of despair.  He no longer wants to help others; however, Jean Valjean has a change of heart when he no longer views himself as the victim

After being released from prison, many people turn Jean Valjean away because he is a convict.  He starts to internalize the awful rumors people are spreading about him.  Although he was only sentenced for stealing one loaf of bread, no one trusts him.  He doesn't even trust himself.  Jean Valjean accepts that he has done awful things and believes no one should help him.

Jean Valjean has not seen kindness in so long that he forgets what it looks like.  He is shocked that the bishop would even consider helping a convict like him.  With the bishop’s help, John Valjean is able to turn his life around.  He realizes the importance of helping others.  Jean Valjean understands that he is not a victim any more, and he can start over.  This experience allows him to understand that his actions matter.

Jean Valjean begins a new prosperous life as Monsieur Madeleine.  He is kind and compassionate.  He puts the needs of others before his own.  His somber past allows him to change for the better.

Les Misérabls~Blog Post #1~Topic B~April 17, 2015~By Ali Cepon

Ali Cepon

Mrs.Molyneaux

H. English, Per.B

4/17/15

Explore a Significant Change in an Important Character

           

       Jean Valjean, “a man of middle height, stout and hardly, in the strength of maturity” and at the age of “forty-six or –seven,” is the main character in Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables who undergoes a significant change (3). In the beginning of the novel Jean Valjean is a convict who is just released from 19 years in the gallery. He was in there “five years for burglary; fourteen years for having attempted four times to escape”(17). Everyone sees his yellow passport, which means he is a convict, and  kicks him out of their house, all except one. The Bishop of D---- allows Jean to stay in his home. He treats him not as a convict but as a brother of God. He feeds the weak man and gives him a nice bed to sleep in. “For nearly twenty years” Jean “had not slept in a bed” (26). Once Jean wakes up he creates the plan to steel “the six silver plates and the large ladle that Madame Maglorie had put on the table” (26). Soon Jean gets caught with the silver and is taken bake to the Bishop’s house. Instead of acting with anger the Bishop hands Jean candlesticks and says, “I gave you the candlesticks also… Forget not, never forget that you have promised me to use this silver to become an honest man” (32-33). The Bishop’s deed is what allows Jean to make his significant change. Jean Valjean keeps his promise and changes his ways. He arrives in the city of M--- sur M--- with only “a few hundred francs at the most” and through his work “he had drawn a fortune for himself, and a fortune for the whole region” (49). He helps people in anyway that he can. One example is when he “rushed into the fire, and saved, at the peril of his life, two children…He was known from that time by the name of Father Madelein” (49). He was so good to the people that they wanted him to be mayor. After declining the position multiple times “the principal citizens came and urged him to accept, and the people in the streets begged him to do so; all insisted so strongly that at last he yielded” (52). This whole time no one knows him as Jean Valjean the convict. They learn his true identity from a trial where a man is being falsely accused as Jean Valjean. The real Jean Valjean admits who he is which is something he would never had in the past. Jean Valjean begins the novel as a burglar, but he ends the first part by being an honest helpful man.

Transformation-Blog Post #1- Topic B-17th April 2015- Caitlin Cook

Caitlin Cook

Molyneaux

Honors English-B

17 April 2015

Character Change

            Jean Valjean experiences a drastic character change in the first part of the novel. He leaves the prison still being a thief, unwanted in any town. One of his first nights out of jail, a bishop offers him food and a bed when no one else would. That night, he wakes up and steals “the basket of silver” from the bishop(30). Later, when Jean is caught with the silver, he is brought back to the bishop and is surprisingly freed due to the bishops kindness, and got to keep the silver. This is when the first step to becoming an honest man began, because he started to understand right from wrong.

            A young boy named Petit Gervais triggers his next step in the right direction. The boy dropped his money and Jean picked it up telling the boy to “get out” and refusing to return the money to the boy (35). After the boy left he realizes his cruel action and tries to give the money back but is not able to find the boy. This leaves Jean feeling sorry and helps to change him into an honest man.

            After this incident he becomes known as Father Madeleine and becomes the mayor of M--- sur M---. He hides who he was from the people in the town but constantly gives to the poor turning into an honest man. Then, he does something that truly makes him an honest man. When someone else is being charged for his crimes he turns himself in to the judge telling him to “order his arrest”(90). Therefore, in part one of Les Misérables, Jean transforms into an honest man.

Transformation or Transfiguration -Blog Post #1- Topic B April 17, 2015 by Colleen Kadowaki

Colleen Kadowaki

Molyneaux

English-B

17 April 2015

 

Transformation or Transfiguration

 

In Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables," Jean Valjean experiences major changes in life in order to become the honest man the bishop sees inside of him. In the beginning of the novel, Jean is a raggedy middle aged man who cares only for himself.  He is bitter and the people of the town distrust him because of his past. When he steals the silver from the bishop, it is clear that Jean is still the same man from the galleys; however, after the kindness from the bishop and his "adventure with Petit Gervais...he [is] another man" (72). In order to begin his journey to becoming an honest man, he changes both physically and emotionally. His only two thoughts are "to conceal his name and to sanctify his life" (72). Jean wants be free of his haunting past and that is why he changes his ways and sets a goal to "save not his body, but his soul" (74). A new name and a new reputation as mayor help him get a fresh start. All these little differences help make Jean a new man, but the biggest way Jean shows that he changes is when he steps up and does not let an innocent man be blamed for his mistakes. It shows how much he has grown as a person because the old Jean would have never had the courage to come clean like the new Jean does.  It is clear that Jean not only undergoes a "transformation," but a "transfiguration" (72).

Caitlin Cook. Reading Article Reflection

Caitlin Cook
Ms. Molyneaux
Honors English-B
16 April 2014

Blog Reflection

               My style reading depends on what I am reading for. If I am reading a book for pleasure then I just read it, but if I am reading it for school I make sure to annotate what I am reading so that I will be able to come back to parts of it again. This makes me a fairly good reader because I make sure I understand the information and if I have to use the information later I make sure that I am able to analyze what I read. When I read, I have a capacity for sustained focused attention, tolerance for failure, and a tolerance for ambiguity because I am able to pay close attention to details for an extended period of time, if I don't understand something I am not bothered by the fact that I will have to reread it, and if the author purposefully leaves me questioning I am able to wait to find out, or predict what I believe will happen. By reading this article, I have learned to become more willing to suspend closure in my reading. I will try to be willing to be temporarily lost and form my own thoughts to fill in the blanks that the author left empty. Lastly, I do not enjoy annotating my books. I feel that it takes away from me enjoying the book; however, annotating does help when I want to go back and find a certain part in my book.