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