Discussion #3 Notes

Leader: Ben
Note Taker: Tommy

1)Connections between other books we have read this year
-Max and liesel from Book Thief - Jean and Cosette
-Max and Jean both show liesel and cosette the real world
-Jean might have to leave cosette like max had to leave liesel
-Javert chasing Jean like Nazis chasing Max
-Okonkwo obsessed with wealth and not willing to give up but Jean willing to give everything to save cosette

2)Is the convent changing Jean and cosette's relationship
-making it stronger, better because cosette can have friends and a semi-normal life
-will help cosette learn

3)explore a significant relationship's conflict or growth
- Jean and the gardner
    -interesting that they met back up
    -going back to father madeline and his old life because the gardner probably didn't hear the truth
    -believe he might learn the truth and report Jean to the police

4)favorite quote
    -pg 146 -> the gardner devoting himself to father madeline
    -pg 76 -> "do what he might, he always fell back upon this sharp dilemma which was at the bottom of his thought to remain in paradise and there become a demon! to enter into hell and the become an angel!
    -pg 148 -> "cosette very naturally thought herself Jean Valjean's daughter"

Reading Article Reflection

Nick Goeckner

Ms. Molyneaux

Honors English B

17 April 2015

Performative Literacy Response

The main strategy for me to take away from this reading is rereading. When I do not understand something in a book, I sometimes reread it until I do, but I often just look forward in the book, hoping to find an explanation there. I also like mystery in books, and have a high tolerance for abiguity, paradox, and uncertainty within books. I find that sometimes not understanding a part of a book can make a book more enjoyable to read.

I generally do not read differently depending on the task and subject. Regardless of the genre of book, I don't really have a different approach to reading them. I just dive in and start reading. I don't like to take notes, and I am a poor annotater. I tend to think that annotating distracts the reader from finding a deeper meaning within the text. I prefer to make mental notes of questions that I have in my head, and answer them as I move along through a book.

While many of these strategies are useful in general, I think some of them only apply to certain levels or styles of readers. Personally, I find that anything that takes my eyes away from the text, including annotating and looking words up in the dictionary, to be distracting and take away from the reader's immersion in the book. Each person has their own way of reading that they are comfortable with, and they should stick to that basic method and expand on it.

Annotating this year was no different from last year, as I still struggled with it. I struggle with annotating because I find that I don't get as much out of reading if I distract myself with annotations. I personally hate annotations and don't see myself using them in my future reading strategies.

Cosette: Saved and Savior

  Cosette: Saved and Savior

~Blog Post #2~

Topic C

April 24, 2015

by Nick Goeckner 

Throughout the second section of Les Miserables, “Cosette”, Jean and Cosette grow very close. After the death of Fantine, Jean takes responsibility for raising Cosette. Cosette really begins to bond with Valjean as a father figure when he “rescue[s] Cosette from the clutches of the Thénardiers” (118). By going to save her even after just escaping prison, we see how close Fantine and Jean were, and how this bond translates to Jean and Cosette. Unlike the Thenardiers, Valjean takes care of Cosette, and protects her from the dangers of his past and the world around her. This is an important emotional time for Jean as well. He has never had anyone in his life close enough for him to love, so he is often “very incomprehensible and very sweet” about his fatherly love for Cosette (123). Due to his feelings, Jean is kept from straying too far back into his criminal past. Although returning to his previous life of crime seems very tempting, all he has to do is think of Cosette and how he needs to protect and care for her, and he is set back on the right path. Cosette motivates Jean Valjean to keep living and to follow the path the bishop set for him, no matter how hard it may seem. By doing this, Cosette saves Jean from being returned to prison.

The Birds

The Birds

Blog Post #2

Topic G

April 27, 2015

Ben Burkhalter

Throughout Les Miserables the main characters are constantly compared to birds.  When we first learn of Cosette, we see that she had been harshly treated by the Thenardiers and regarded with less respect than the family pets. The people of the town soon begin to refer to her as The Lark because she is "not larger than a bird, trembling, frightened, and shivering" (47). This nickname is a perfect representation of her because she was small and insignificant to most people, much like a real lark. This name is also signifies her innocence during the early years as birds are seen as very innocent creatures.  

Further into the book, after Jean has rescued Cosette from the Thenardiers, the pair move into a new home.  Their new humble abode is referred to as “a nest for owl and wren” (121). In their new accommodations, they soon grow fond of one another and quite happy with life.  This is yet again a characteristic of birds.  Most birds don’t get much more out of their nests other than basic shelter; however, they never seem to be angry about this as they are always gleefully twittering about.  This attitude is parallels Jean and Cosette who, despite their spartan living areas, are willing to look past where they are living and grow in their happiness together.  

Jean Valjean's Transformation

Jean Valjean's transformation 

Blog Post #1

Topic B

April 27, 2015

Ben Burkhalter

     Early in Les Misrables by Victor Hugo, Jean Valjean is introduced as a previously convicted man who has recently been released from prison.  He is struggling early on to find a place to stay because of the yellow passport which he holds, marking him as a criminal. The only path for him seems to be for him to continue stealing to make a living; however, he soon has a change of heart after staying with the bishop for the night. During his stay, Jean makes an attempt to steal all of the silver which the bishop has.  He is soon caught red handed and brought back to the bishop to face punishment for his crimes.  Instead of punishing Jean, the bishop gifts the silver to Jean after making him promise “to use this silver to become an honest man” (33).  Soon after, it is revealed to us that Jean has turned away from his criminal past and has become the humble and wealthy mayor of M--- sur M----. He is constantly using his wealth to help others in this town, especially the poor. He quickly makes a name for himself among the people as an easy person to ask to borrow money from.  This also leads to him more pleasant towards others although he does seem to retain some strange qualities from when he was in prison. This is a radical change in his behavior and marks the beginning of a new period in his life, one of honestly and charity.

Group Discussion #2

Discussion #2

April 23, 2015

Led by Tommy Lacher

What do you think Jean valjean's motivations were for escaping prison?

• He may have escaped to rescue cosette from the Thenardiers or simply to get out of prison when the chance arose.

Do you think there is any significance to the third person narrative? Do you think there will be? Does it add to the story?

• It adds an interesting perspective to the story where we can switch from different views.

What does the symbolism of birds mean?

• It can symbolize freedom they both feel after escaping from prison and the Thenardiers. The traits of each character are also personified in birds.

Do think the incident with the landlady and the thousand franc bill is significant?

• She becomes suspicious and afraid because he has so much money and must be someone of power

Does cosette' opinion of Jean change after the police chase?

• No, she stays calm during the whole ordeal and still respects him just as much. She might not know what's going on because of her being so young. He might become her teacher later in the story.

On page 138 in the voices scene, where did you think the voices came from at first?

• We thought it might have been a message from God but it turned out to be the choir.

How do you think living in the convent will work out?

• It is going pretty well, especially for cosette who is learning in the school and making new friends. Jean likes his position gardening. Javert might find them again.

The Voices

The Voices

Blog Post #2

Topic F

April 24, 2015

Tommy Lacher

The passage where Jean Valjean and Cosette hear the voices after jumping over the wall to escape Javert and the soldiers contains a great amount of imagery. The first, and most important as well as predominant, thing that this scene contains is the image of freedom. Throughout this section there are many references to freedom. The constant symbolism of birds shows us that Jean Valjean and Cosette are free like birds. This ties into the scene containing the voices. When Jean Valjean and Cosette jump over the wall, they "fell on their knees" and were mesmerized (138). They were caught up in the moment that they had just escaped from being captured by Javert and the soldiers and did not know what was going on. The two listened to the voices without moving or thinking until they were done. While the novel does not explicitly say that the voices were from singing, it is implied after the reader learns that they are in a convent. This whole scene show the disbelief of Jean Valjean and Cosette that they are actually free. To them, the notion that they can live without the fear of being apprehended is unbelievable, hence the startling reaction when they heard the mysterious voices. The second thing that this passage could symbolize is the new start Jean Valjean and Cosette are going to have at the convent. The voices are described as " a celestial, divine, infallible sound" that could not come from this earth (138). It can symbolize that Jean Valjean and Cosette have passed into another life, like someone dying passes into a new life in Heaven.

Cosette and Jean: Partners in Crime

Cosette and Jean: Partners in Crime

~Blog Post #2~

Topic C

April 24, 2015

by Jonathan Paulson

The section titled “Cosette” in Les Misérables by Victor Hugo sees great growth in the relationship between fugitive Jean Valjean and little girl Cosette. This relationship is first introduced at the end of the first section with Jean’s close relationship with Fantine being revealed. The bond between Jean and Cosette furthers as he “rescued Cosette from the clutches of the Thénardiers” (118). This initial instinct to go and save her even after just escaping from prison is a testament to the closeness Fantine and him, and therefore Cosette and him, share. This newfound relationship between Cosette and Jean is as necessary for Jean as it is for Cosette’s survival. Cosette obviously benefits greatly from the relationship they share as it provides her with a new caretaker that actually cares about her safety, rather than the Thénardiers who care less for her than their dog; however, it is what Cosette does for Jean that makes this relationship flourish and grow. The presence of Cosette in his life raises up a feeling that Jean has never really felt in his life, “it is something very incomprehensible and very sweet, this grand emotion of a heart in its first love” (123). This love plays a major role in keeping Jean on the straight and narrow. Although he is still ever tempted by his previous criminal past, the thought of Cosette and the need to protect and care for her outweighs any negative thoughts that may ever cross his mind. Without this reason to carry on, Jean Valjean might as well never have escaped prison and would have been a captive to his own mind forever.

Group Discussion #1

Discussion #1
April 20, 2015
Led by Jonathan Paulson

• What do you first think of Jean Valjean?
  • Ben thought he wasn't treated very fairly. He stole a loaf of bread, and was labeled as a dangerous criminal because of it.
  • He's rugged and kind of sketchy looking
• Why do you think Valjean would be so thankful to the bishop, and then rob him?
  • Tommy noted that Valjean was very conflicted about this, taking him several hours to reach his decision. In the end, his criminal instinct, which had dominated him for the past nineteen years, took over and convinced him to steal the bread.
• Why do you think Jean had a change of heart after the incident with Petit Gervais?
  • The group agreed that this incident was an accident, and Jean was trying to live out the promise he made to the bishop.
• Why do you think the author explains in such detail how poorly Cosette was treated?
  • Tommy mentioned that this was to stress the meaning of the title Les Miserables and how painfully and hastily Fantine made her decision.
• Do you believe Jean Valjean has genuinely changed?
  • Yes, Valjean has completely transformed. He cares for people, gives generously, and turns himself in to save an innocent man.
• Why do you think Jean feels guilty about letting Champmathieu take his place? Isn't this his chance to be free?
  • This goes back to the previous question. Valjean feels that he has to live out his promise to the bishop, and that means being honest about who he is. He feels bad about leaving his people behind, but he realizes that this man is innocent and can't be left to suffer for Valjean's past.
• Is Javert a bad man or is he just doing his duty?
  • He seems like a bad man, especially since there seems to be some kind of personal vendetta between him and Valjean, but he is really just completely devoted to his duty.

Jean Valjean's Transformation

The Transformation of Jean Valjean

Blog Post 1

Topic B

April 20, 2015

Nick Goeckner

The main character in Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, Jean Valjean, undergoes a life-changing transformation that can be seen from the first pages of the novel. With some help, he turns from a criminal on the run into an honest man. From the very first page, it is evident that Jean Valjean is a hardened criminal. Convicted of stealing bread, he spent nineteen years of his life in the galleys, working tirelessly, only to come out marked as a “dangerous man”. He is then driven to steal from the first person who will take him in, the bishop. When he is caught trying to take the silver, he is dragged before the bishop, who could have gotten him locked away forever. Instead, the bishop tells him that he forgot the candlesticks, and saves his life. Due to this unprecedented generosity, Valjean decides to turn his life around. He starts a new life, giving money to the poor and helping those in need. He becomes a rich businessman and mayor, loved by all who know him. All these changes come to their final test when a man is mistaken for Javert and taken into custody. This is Valjean's chance to escape forever, let the other man take his place and live on as a free man. Years before, when he had just come out of that prison, Javert would have chosen this path. Now, he has changed so much that he recognizes he must turn himself in. With this act of mercy and sacrifice, the transformation of Jean Valjean is completed, and his spirit is set free.

Jean Valjean's Transformation

Jean Valjean's Transformation

Blog Post 1

Topic B

April 16, 2015

Tommy Lacher

        The main character in Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, Jean Valjean, undergoes a serious transformation beginning from the very start of the novel.  This transformation consists of changing his previous lifestyle as a convicted criminal to a respectable and civil man. We learn in the first chapter the Jean Valjean is a convict. He was convicted of stealing bread in the middle of the night.  He then goes on to steal the silver from the Bishop's house and some money from a traveler.  The thievery and criminal actions of Jean Valjean make up his character, a heartless criminal.  This, however, changes drastically.  After meeting the Bishop and thinking about the generosity he showed when allowing him to keep the silver he stole, Jean Valjean decides to turn his life around.  Later in the novel, we learn that he has started a new life, following the Bishop's words and "gives it to God," giving money to the poor and helping those in need.(33).  Jean Valjean becomes a wealthy business person and loved by his community.  After escaping his past as a convict, he is able to lead a productive and fulfilling life, eventually becoming the mayor of his town.  These show that Jean Valjean has turned his life around, but the event that truly shows he is a new person is when he learns of the man being tried in court that was mistakenly identified as himself.  Jean Valjean contemplates on the issue and ultimately decides to reveal himself as the true Jean Valjean, ultimately saving the man's life.  It is this courageous act that Jean Valjean takes that proves that he has totally transformed from a convict to a respectable and moral person.

The Evolution of Jean Valjean

The Evolution of Jean Valjean

~Blog Post #1~

Topic B

April 17, 2015

by Jonathan Paulson

In the novel Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, Hugo introduces the reader to the character of Jean Valjean, a criminal turned beloved mayor. Hugo first shows Valjean as a cast-out convict traveling throughout the town, that is not named, searching just for some place to have shelter for the night. As he goes through the town, Valjean travels with all his possessions on his back and his life savings of only one hundred and nine francs and fifteen sous. During his night at the Bishop's house, the reader also sees how Jean has never changed from his nineteen years in jail. He has a thought during the night "which drove away all others," the thought of stealing all the silver he had seen within the house (26). After Valjean's situation with Petit Gervais, however, he has a revelation and is seen in prayer "before the door of Monseigneur Bienvenu," most likely praying to God for forgiveness (39). The very next instance Hugo shows us Jean Valjean is as Father Madeleine, a rich man beloved by all of the people due to his good works and deeds for everyone. He becomes a famous man in the region, even being named a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the king himself. This huge step forward for Valjean shows that he, and all people, is capable of change and a second chance. Even his genuine demonstration of grief for the death of Bishop Bienvenu depicts how much he really owes this transformation to the bishop and even God. Valjean's dramatic change of heart is a pivotal moment in the book that sets the stage for the events that follow, for bad or for good.

Reading Article Reflection - Tommy Lacher

Tommy Lacher
Mrs. Molyneaux
English Honors
17 April 2015
                                                    Performative Literacy Response
        I think that the main strategy from this article that applies to me is the rereading.  When I do not understand something in a book, I just reread it until I do.  I also have a tolerance for ambiguity, paradox, and uncertinty throughout books.  I do not have to understand a passage right away to enjoy the book.
        I generally do not read differently depending on the task and subject.  When I read, I simply sit down and read the book.  I do not take notes and rarely annotate for any type of book I am reading. I prefer to work through any problems or questions I might have while reading in my head as I go, which I think makes me a good reader.
        I believe that many of the strategies in this article are useful and helpful to some people, but I think that there are many different ways to read and get the same effect. Personally, I think that trying to take notes, annotate, or look up words in the dictionary is distracting and takes away from truly comprehending and enjoying the book. I can try any of the strategies in this article, but in the end each person has to find the most comfortable way of reading.
        My experiences taking notes and annotating our novels this year was the same as all of the other english classes, so it was not a new experience.  I struggle with annotating because I have never really been interested in english, but rather math and science related topics.  I do not see the annotating as fun, as helping my reading experience, or affecting my future reading strategy because it is not something I particularly enjoy doing.

Blog Reflection

From the article "Performative Literacy" by Sheridan Blau, I can take away many strategies that pertain to everyday English reading. There is one strategy that I feel I can apply to my own personal life. This most important strategy is the "willingness to change one's mind" that becomes pivotal when reading controversial books that must be read with an open and free mind (2). There are more strategies than this, however, that I can apply to how I read everyday.
Many of these strategies and labels that Blau points out can relate to myself as a reader. I would classify myself as what Blau calls, "a competent reader" (2). Most of the seven traits are ones I do not even think about during my usual reading. The main strategy that greatly applies to me is the ability to constantly re-read a section of writing over and over again until I get it. I may space out and daydream at times, but I’m always able to get back on track.
My reading habits, however, vary greatly when reading for different tasks or subjects. When reading for say an English class, I focus much more heavily on content and symbolism and try my best to absorb every detail; however, when reading for fun, this changes into just mostly glazing over most of the text and getting a big picture. This makes me a good reader, though, because it means I can really get down and focus when I need to but know when that heavy focus isn’t necessary.
This year the annotating and taking of notes on our novels has been quite familiar from freshman year. I did, however, struggle with the constant annotating of books as I read them. This note taking really brings me out of the book’s story and has me more worried that I annotate enough rather than the actual plotline. This strategy of note taking is a valuable one, though, and I realize it will be necessary as I go throughout college and beyond.

Blog Prompts

Blog Post Topics (Respond to 1 of the prompts below each week):

A.            Select a significant quotation from your reading; explore the significance of that quotation to the development of characters, conflict, theme, etc.

B.            Explore a significant change in an important character.

C.           Explore a significant relationship’s conflicts or growth.

D.           Write about a motif you see developing--where have you noticed it? What does it seem to be revealing about characters or themes?

E.            Explore the significance of a particular setting (not of the whole novel--pick a specific scene).

F.            Explore the significance of a passage with a lot of imagery or description.

G.           Write about a symbol--how does it exist both literally and figuratively? What does it represent?

H.           Explore connections between your book and something you’ve read previously in English class.

I.              Explore connections between the text and your own life.

J.            What is the significance of the book’s title? What