1. Why do the townspeople close their doors on the man?  What can you tell about him by the way he reacts?

2. How does the bishop treat the traveler?  Why doesn’t he have the same reaction the other do when he learns about the traveler’s past?  Is he naïve and overly trusting?

3. What sort of childhood and young adulthood has Jean Valjean had?  Would you say his life was a hard one?  Do you feel that he deserved to go to prison?

4. Why does the bishop give Jean Valjean the candlesticks?  Are you surprised by the bishop’s act?  Is Valjean surprised?

5. Why does Jean Valjean steal the silver?  Do you think he feels guilty about stealing from someone who has shown him trust?

6. Does Jean Valjean change his life style? why?