Outline Draft #1

I. Intro

a. Anecdote

b. Thesis: In Victor Hugo's novel Les Misérables, Jean Valjean's experiences in poverty lead to his self reformation.

II. Poverty in France

III. Jean Valjean and Poverty

a.

IV. Jean Valjean’s Crime

a. He stole a loaf of bread.

b. He stole the Bishop’s silver.

c. The little boy he stole 40 francs.

V. Jean Valjean’s Transformation

a. His pity and love for Fantine.

b. The care he took with raising Cosette.

c. When given the chance to kill Javet he didn’t.

VI. Conclusion

a. Restate Thesis

Potential Thesis Statement

As of now this is what I have for my thesis statement, but it can and most likely will change.

In Victor Hugo's novel Les Miserables, Jean Valjean's experences in poverty lead to his self reformation.

Research Question Draft #2

I'm still not too sure about my research question, but i know what i want to focus on. I'm focusing my paper on Jean Valjean and his treatment in Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. So as of now my research question is:

Did Jean Valjean's treatment in and outside of jail contribute to his self reformation, or revolution?

Quote, Question and Comment: QQC # 2

Quote:

"I will not disturb the proceedings further," continued Jean Valjean, "I am leaving, since you are not arresting me. I have many things to do. Monsierur Prosecuting Attorney knows who I am, he knows where I am going, and will have me arrested when he chooses."

He walked toward the outer door. Not a voice was raised, not an arm stretched out to prevent him. All stood aside. There was at this moment an indescribable divinity about him that makes the multitudes fall back and give way before such a man.

-Except from Victor Hugo's Les Miserables

Question:

Can a revolution exist within yourself?

Comment:

Jean Valjean was a convict. He served 19 years in prison for thieft and exscape attempts. Once freeded from his sentence, Jean Valjean turned to his old habbits and stole the Bishop's silver. Was he ever going to learn? He was caught and returned to the house, of course the God loving Bishop couldn't turn him in. While distracted in his thought, Jean Valjean committed his last criminal act. He stole money from a child. under a different name Valjean was able to start his life over. Until his past came back to haunt him, his want to do the "right thing" over powered his worldly thought of letting someone else take the blame for his crimes. Jean Valjean turned himself in, he did the right thing, but that's not the end of the story.

The Great Race

We walked into class wide eyed and dazzled. Our classroom had been turned into a carnival like game show. We took our seats in our respective teams, "FRANCE" was printed on our banner. Our groups focus was on the French Revolution. "Team leaders pick up your laptops and turn them on," Miss Guerrero said. As Ervin picked up the computer, Andrea and I realized that we were missing a team member. But who was it? As Ervin returned to his seat, Adriel our lost team member arrived out of breath with subway in his hands. "Anybody want some?" he asked and immediately distracted everyone but Ervin. "Let the games begin!" Miss Guerrero shouted, but no one heard her. They were all focused on our now very effective "lost late destraction group member" Adriel. "We're done! We used History Study Center, History Resource Center, San Diego Public Librabry and Miss G's DP lead me to all of it! We learned about France and Cuba." Ervin said and we went to claim our prize. FREE JONAS BROTHER TICKETS!!!!! Then we lived happily ever after.... except Adriel because he didn't want to go to the concert. THE END!!!

Research Question Draft #1

In the book Les Miserables by Victor Hugo the main character, Monsieur Charles-Francois-Bienvenu Myriel, meets a released convict and takes him into his home. Monsieur Myriel is the Bishop of Digne who's doors are always open. The convicts name is Jean Valjean and he is also one of the main characters. During the night while everyone in the house is sleeping Jean trys to steal the Bishop's silver, fornately he was caught and sent back to the Bishop's house. The Bishop of Digne a constant giver decided to lie and say he gave this stranger his silver. Instead of bring sent back to jail he has to live with the choice he made. This book begins in France in the year 1815, the city of Digne. While doing research i'm trying to find out how closely related the Les Miserables book is to the historical revolution.