2.6.5 chapter discussion (spoilers up to 2.6.5)

Discussion prompts:

1. The cheerfulness of the previous chapter is contrast again with the austerity and severity of the convent. Hugo continues to use very emotive language choices. How do you feel about the language?

2. Hugo continues to use real people with his fictional narrative (Monsieur de Quélen, for example: Louis de Quélen (1778–1839), archbishop of Paris from 1821, member of the French Academy from 1824.) What do you think of this technique?

3. These chapters tell of strict obedience and severity with the Church, which is such a contrast to the opening chapters with the bishop, which was all love and generosity. Did you make that contrast?

4. I was a little surprised when it was evident that the convent and school weren’t so completely separated from the outside world. A few chapters ago it felt like this was utter isolation. Maybe not so much?

PS. Again, thank you for spending this week discussing the book with me.

Last line

He was a blind old émigré, a ruined gentleman, playing the flute in his garret in order to pass the time.

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