Quotes from "Les Miserables" Trivia Quiz

Answer: soul

"I am withdrawing it from dark thoughts and from the spirit of perdition, and I am giving it to God!"

This is a really important line from the story, as the Bishop's mercy is what ultimately sets Valjean on the path to greatness. I felt it was essential to include it in this quiz- after all, without it, there wouldn't be a story!

Answer: killed

I like to think that this particular quote might have had some impact on Javert's choice at the end of the story. If he'd remembered these words, don't you think, that he being the officer he was, might have been unable to live believing he'd murdered Fantine?

Answer: mother

"If Caesar had given me glory and war, and I had to abandon the love of my mother, I would say to great Caesar, 'take thy sceptre and car, I prefer my mother, ah me! I prefer my mother.'"

I always liked this line, because it really introduces Enjolras' character to the readers. It's really a pity that the movie adaptions always seem to cut it out. :(

Answer: Monsieur Marius

"She essayed to smile again and expired."

I always liked this line, mainly because I am an Eponine fan. I think this entire scene is great- the way Hugo wrote it, especially earlier in the chapter, (where Eponine crawls towards Marius, calling his name) is utterly haunting. It's terribly romantic too, as she dies in his arms after asking him to kiss her when she was gone. "I shall feel it."

Answer: know

"Javert looked at this dead body, and, perfectly calm, said in an undertone: 'It seems to me that I know that girl.'"

I always wondered about this one. What did Javert mean? I included it because I never quite understood it. Had he met Eponine before? What were his feelings when he saw the body? It's a good quote to discuss with friends.

Answer: Vive la republique!

"'Two at one shot,' said he. And turning towards Enjolras gently, he said to him: 'Will you permit it?' Enjolras grasped his hand with a smile. The smile was not finished when the report was heard."

To understand the importance of this quote fully, you have to know the characters. Enjolras, AKA Apollo, (Grantaire's nickname for him) is like a statue or a God. Everyone looks up to him, and yet he feels nothing for anyone else. Grantaire is the drunkard who is beloved by everyone but Enjolras, who calls him Wine-Cask. But Grantaire looks up to Enjolras, and venerates him. He is practically in love. For Enjolras to accept his friendship in the moments before their death is both tragic and heartwarming.

Answer: Father!

"'Ah! You love me then!' said the old man."

Marius has a strange relationship with the grandfather who raised him. While his grandfather adores him, he hates the fact that Marius is a revolutionary. Marius, on the other hand, loves his grandfather, but hates that he treated Marius' father so poorly. When he calls him 'father,' all the bad blood between them is banished.

Answer: fall on your knees

"She suffered much. And loved you much."

Very important because this is the moment that Cosette's been waiting for: when her 'papa' finally tells her the truth about her past and about her mother. This quote is spoken in a long rambling passage by Valjean as he dies peacefully with Cosette and Marius by his side.

Answer: spy

I love Javert. :) His fanaticism makes him such a fascinating character! He has tried to resign his position because he has denounced the mayor as a convict. Turns out he was right all along!

Answer: linen

I adore this scene, especially later on when Valjean sets her free, and she believes Javert must have done it. It has some great character interactions. :) It's fun to think about it from both angles. Is Javert really as cold as he seems?