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The Redemption: MBOSE Class 11 Alternative English notes
Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDFs, and guides for the story The Redemption: MBOSE Class 11 Alternative English textbook Imprints, written by Victor Hugo, which is part of the syllabus for students studying under the board. These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
Jean Valjean, a convict recently freed after 19 years in prison, wanders in search of shelter. He faces rejection due to his criminal past and the stigma of his yellow passport. Exhausted and desperate, he arrives at the home of Bishop Myriel, who surprises Valjean by welcoming him warmly, calling him “Monsieur” and offering food and a bed. The Bishop’s kindness contrasts starkly with Valjean’s harsh treatment by society, leaving him bewildered and grateful.
During the night, Valjean struggles internally, tempted by the Bishop’s silverware stored in a cupboard. Succumbing to his old ways, he steals the silver and flees. However, the next day, the police capture Valjean and bring him back to the Bishop. To everyone’s astonishment, the Bishop defends Valjean, claiming he had gifted the silver and chastises him only for forgetting to take the candlesticks as well. This act of mercy baffles Valjean, who is used to condemnation.
The Bishop’s actions embody forgiveness and redemption. He tells Valjean he has bought his soul for God, urging him to live a life of virtue. This transformative moment leaves Valjean speechless and shaken. The Bishop’s unwavering belief in the potential for change illuminates a path for Valjean, who must decide whether to embrace this chance at a new life.
Throughout the chapter, light serves as a metaphor for goodness and divine grace. The moonlight illuminating the Bishop’s serene face symbolizes purity and hope, juxtaposing the darkness of Valjean’s tormented conscience. The story delves into themes of societal prejudice, the power of compassion, and the possibility of moral renewal, making this encounter pivotal in shaping Valjean’s journey.
Textbook solutions
Answer these questions briefly
1. Describe the setting where the story takes place.
Answer: The story takes place in a modest house of a bishop in the lower Alps, with a tranquil and serene atmosphere. It is a place of simplicity and warmth, reflected in its humble furnishings and the bishop’s austere lifestyle.
2. Why was Jean Valjean constantly refused shelter?
Answer: Jean Valjean was constantly refused shelter because he was a convict and carried a yellow passport, which identified his criminal record, making people distrust and reject him.
3. How were convicts treated in prison and after their release by French society of that time?
Answer: In prison, convicts were subjected to harsh conditions, such as chains, lashes, and dungeons, even when sick. After release, they were treated with contempt and ostracism, with society refusing them basic rights and opportunities.
4. What was Valjean’s initial reaction to the bishop’s treatment of him?
Answer: Valjean’s initial reaction to the bishop’s treatment of him was one of astonishment, doubt, and joy, as he could not believe someone would welcome him kindly without disdain or rejection.
5. How did Valjean’s initial reaction change?
Answer: Valjean’s initial reaction changed to profound gratitude and emotional turmoil as he began to understand the bishop’s kindness and respect, which he had never experienced before.
6. How did the bishop treat Valjean despite his thievery?
Answer: The bishop treated Valjean with forgiveness and generosity, even claiming to the gendarmes that the stolen silver was a gift and giving him the silver candlesticks as well. He urged Valjean to use the silver to become an honest man.
Answer these questions in detail.
1. You need not tell me who you are. It is the house of Christ. Cite instances from the story of how the bishop justified this statement through his actions to Valjean.
Answer: The bishop justified this statement through his actions by welcoming Jean Valjean into his house despite his background as a convict. He instructed Madame Magloire to prepare a plate and bed for Valjean without hesitation. Additionally, when Valjean stole the silver and was caught, the bishop not only forgave him but also told the gendarmes that the silver was a gift. He further gave Valjean the silver candlesticks and reminded him to use the silver to become an honest man, demonstrating his belief in compassion and redemption.
2. Describe Valjean’s inner battle before he stole the silver.
Answer: Valjean’s inner battle before he stole the silver was intense and filled with turmoil. He wavered for a long time, fluctuating between his desire to steal the silver and his conscience urging him not to. The silver plates occupied his thoughts, and he spent hours deliberating. Finally, the temptation became too strong, and he resolved to steal, carefully planning his actions to avoid being caught. This inner struggle highlights his desperation and the moral conflict he faced as he contemplated the theft.
3. What is your opinion of the bishop’s treatment of Valjean? Justify.
Answer: The bishop’s treatment of Valjean is one of extraordinary compassion and forgiveness. Despite Valjean’s criminal past, the bishop sees him not as a sinner but as someone in need of mercy and redemption. By treating Valjean with dignity, offering him food, shelter, and warmth, the bishop exemplifies Christian values of kindness and hospitality. When Valjean steals the silver, the bishop’s act of forgiveness and his return of the stolen items to Valjean symbolizes his deep belief in the power of redemption and the transformative potential of compassion. This treatment shows the bishop’s commitment to seeing the humanity in others, no matter their past.
4. Do you feel the title of this story is appropriate? If so, why? If not, why not?
Answer: Yes, the title “The Redemption” is appropriate. The story focuses on Jean Valjean’s journey toward redemption, both in his relationship with society and with himself. The pivotal moment in the story occurs when the bishop shows him unconditional kindness and forgiveness, which becomes the turning point in Valjean’s life. It is through this act of mercy that Valjean begins his transformation from a hardened criminal to an honorable man. The title encapsulates this theme of moral and spiritual salvation.
Appreciating form and language
Read these expressions.
- ‘Every time he said the word monsieur… the man’s countenance lighted up.’
- ‘A ray of moonlight suddenly lighted up the bishop’s pale face.’
Victor Hugo uses light as a ‘character’ in the story to symbolize positive qualities and create changes in the setting. The imagery of light as a symbol of goodness and positive attributes is sustained through this story.
Locate more instances where Victor Hugo uses light as a ‘character’ in the story to establish the mood. Also find instances where ‘light’ is juxtaposed against ‘night’ and ‘darkness’.
Answer: In The Redemption, Victor Hugo uses light symbolically to represent goodness, hope, and spiritual enlightenment, while darkness and night often contrast with these qualities, representing hardship, suffering, and moral confusion.
- Light as a symbol of goodness:
- When the bishop is described: “A ray of moonlight suddenly lighted up the bishop’s pale face.” This moment occurs just as Jean Valjean is observing the bishop in his sleep. The moonlight highlights the bishop’s serene expression, symbolizing his purity and virtuous nature. The light almost seems to emanate from the bishop himself, representing his inner goodness.
- The light of the lamp: The bishop, recognizing that the night is cold, requests that the lamp be moved closer to the fire. This gesture shows his concern for Valjean’s comfort and his care for the stranger, further emphasizing his compassion and hospitality.
- Light juxtaposed with darkness:
- Jean Valjean’s inner turmoil: When Jean Valjean is contemplating whether to steal the silver, he experiences internal darkness—his mind is filled with doubt, conflict, and moral struggle. This is contrasted with the light of the bishop’s gentle and respectful treatment, which offers a chance for Valjean’s moral redemption.
- The light outside the window: When Valjean attempts to escape with the stolen silver, he observes the “full moon,” but the night itself is also described as “dark.” The moonlight symbolizes the clarity and purity Valjean could choose if he follows the path of goodness, while the surrounding darkness reflects the temptation and sin he contemplates. The natural light contrasts with his actions, highlighting the moral divide between right and wrong.
Writing
Imagine that Valjean left the cottage and went on with his life. What kind of man do you think he became and why? Write the story of Jean Valjean’s life after his encounter with the bishop.
Answer: After leaving the bishop’s cottage, Jean Valjean became a man dedicated to kindness, justice, and service to others. The bishop’s act of forgiveness profoundly changed his outlook, compelling him to transform his life.
Valjean moved to a distant town under a new identity, where he began a small business, eventually creating opportunities for employment and helping the poor. He used his wealth discreetly to fund education and welfare initiatives. His actions were driven by a deep sense of gratitude toward the bishop and a desire to atone for his past misdeeds.
Over time, Valjean became a figure of respect and admiration in the community. However, he always carried the weight of his past and a fear of being exposed. His humility and willingness to help anyone in need earned him unwavering trust and affection.
In private, he reflected on the bishop’s words: “Forget not, never forget that you have promised me to use this silver to become an honest man.” This memory served as his guiding principle. He believed that redemption was an ongoing journey and sought to embody the virtues of forgiveness and charity.
Jean Valjean’s life, marked by quiet heroism and dedication, stood as a testament to the power of compassion and the possibility of transformation. Though he faced challenges and moments of doubt, he remained steadfast, inspired by the bishop’s belief in his potential for goodness.
Extras
Additional questions and answers
1. How long had Jean Valjean been in the galleys, and what was his crime?
Answer: Jean Valjean had been nineteen years in the galleys. While the text does not specify the exact nature of his crime, it portrays his harsh punishment and suffering during his imprisonment.
2. What did Jean Valjean carry with him when he entered the bishop’s house?
Answer: Jean Valjean carried a knapsack on his back and a stick in his hand. His rough, tired, and fierce look also characterized his arrival, adding to his ominous presence.
3. Why did the innkeepers refuse to let Jean Valjean stay?
Answer: The innkeepers refused Jean Valjean shelter because he showed them his yellow passport at the mayor’s office. The yellow passport marked him as a convict, which made people distrust and reject him.
4. What was Jean Valjean’s financial status upon arriving at the bishop’s house?
Answer: Jean Valjean possessed one hundred and nine francs and fifteen sous, which he referred to as his savings earned through labor during nineteen years in the galleys.
5. How did Madame Magloire react when Jean Valjean first entered the house?
Answer: Madame Magloire was so overcome by fear that she could not scream. She stood trembling, with her mouth open, utterly shocked by the appearance of Jean Valjean.
6. What was the bishop’s initial response to Jean Valjean’s request for shelter?
Answer: The bishop welcomed Jean Valjean with kindness. He instructed Madame Magloire, “You will set another plate,” and also directed her to “put some sheets on the bed in the alcove” to prepare a place for Valjean to rest.
7. What were the contents of the meal served to Jean Valjean by the bishop?
Answer: The meal included soup made of water, oil, bread, and salt, along with a little pork, a scrap of mutton, a few figs, a green cheese, a large loaf of rye bread, and a bottle of fine old Mauves wine. This simple yet hospitable meal reflected the bishop’s generosity and care.
8. What specific item did Jean Valjean initially focus on stealing during the night?
Answer: Jean Valjean focused on stealing the six silver plates and the large ladle. These items caught his attention during supper, as Madame Magloire had placed them prominently on the table.
9. Describe the bishop’s sleeping arrangement and appearance when Jean Valjean approached him.
Answer: The bishop slept peacefully, wearing a dark woolen garment to protect against the cold Alpine nights. His hand, adorned with a pastoral ring, hung over the side of the bed. The moonlight illuminated his face, which radiated contentment, hope, and happiness, giving him an almost divine appearance.
10. How did nature contribute to the mood of the scene where Jean Valjean contemplated theft?
Answer: A large cloud darkened the sky, adding to the somber mood. However, when Jean Valjean paused before the bishop’s bed, the cloud broke, and a ray of moonlight illuminated the bishop’s serene face, creating a stark contrast between Valjean’s inner turmoil and the bishop’s tranquility.
11. What was Jean Valjean’s reaction upon being called “Monsieur” by the bishop?
Answer: Jean Valjean’s face lit up every time the bishop addressed him as “Monsieur.” This simple gesture of respect deeply moved him, as he was unaccustomed to such honor after years of being treated with disdain.
12. How did the bishop address the gendarmes when they brought Jean Valjean back?
Answer: The bishop greeted Jean Valjean warmly, saying, “Ah, there you are! I am glad to see you. But I gave you the candlesticks also, which are silver like the rest, and would bring two hundred francs. Why did you not take them along with your plates?”
13. What did the bishop give to Jean Valjean in addition to the stolen silver?
Answer: In addition to the stolen silver plates, the bishop handed Jean Valjean the two silver candlesticks, expressing his generosity and desire for Valjean to use the silver for good.
14. How did the bishop describe the ownership of the silver he gave to Jean Valjean?
Answer: The bishop explained that “This is not my house; it is the house of Christ. It does not ask any comer whether he has a name, but whether he has an affliction.” This statement emphasized his belief that the silver belonged to those in need.
15. What was the bishop’s ultimate wish for Jean Valjean’s transformation after he was forgiven?
Answer: The bishop expressed his wish by stating, “Forget not, never forget that you have promised me to use this silver to become an honest man.” He hoped the gesture would inspire Valjean to lead a virtuous life.
16. What role did the candlesticks play in the bishop’s message to Jean Valjean?
Answer: The candlesticks symbolized the bishop’s trust and hope in Valjean’s redemption. He said, “I gave you the candlesticks also, which are silver like the rest, and would bring two hundred francs,” emphasizing the importance of using them for good.
Additional fill in the blanks
1. Jean Valjean was denied lodging at an inn because of his ______ passport. (Yellow/Red)
Answer: Yellow
2. The bishop referred to Jean Valjean as “______” rather than by his name. (My Brother/Friend)
Answer: My Brother
3. Madame Magloire was instructed by the bishop to set a ______ for Jean Valjean. (Plate/Cushion)
Answer: Plate
4. Jean Valjean stole the bishop’s ______ during the night. (Candlesticks/Silver)
Answer: Silver
5. The bishop told Jean Valjean, “This is not my house; it is the house of ______.” (Christ/God)
Answer: Christ
6. The bishop’s forgiveness represented a turning point for Jean Valjean’s ______. (Journey/Life)
Answer: Life
7. Jean Valjean used a ______ to break into the cupboard. (Miners’ drill/Hammer)
Answer: Miners’ drill
8. The bishop claimed he had wrongfully withheld the silver, saying it belonged to the ______. (Church/Poor)
Answer: Poor
9. Jean Valjean promised to use the bishop’s gift to become an ______ man. (Honest/Kind)
Answer: Honest
10. The bishop gave Jean Valjean two ______ as he departed. (Candlesticks/Bibles)
Answer: Candlesticks
11. Jean Valjean walked ______ leagues in one day to reach the bishop’s house. (Twelve/Ten)
Answer: Twelve
12. The bishop told Madame Magloire to use ______ plates instead of silver. (Tin/Wooden)
Answer: Wooden
13. The bishop described Jean Valjean’s affliction as being more than just ______. (Hunger/Thirst)
Answer: Hunger
14. In the story, light often symbolizes ______. (Goodness/Evil)
Answer: Goodness
15. The bishop’s treatment of Jean Valjean contrasted with the way others ______ him. (Welcomed/Despised)
Answer: Despised
16. After Jean Valjean’s theft, the bishop chose to ______ him instead of condemning him. (Forgive/Punish)
Answer: Forgive
17. The ______ hanging above the mantel seemed to offer blessings and pardon. (Crucifix/Candlestick)
Answer: Crucifix
18. The bishop told Jean Valjean that he was no longer bound to ______. (Evil/Suffering)
Answer: Evil
19. Jean Valjean’s story begins with his release from the ______. (Galleys/Oratory)
Answer: Galleys
20. Victor Hugo used the imagery of ______ to depict hope and redemption in the story. (Light/Darkness)
Answer: Light
Additional true and false
1. Jean Valjean was refused shelter because he was a convict.
Answer: True
2. The bishop treated Jean Valjean kindly even after knowing his past.
Answer: True
3. Jean Valjean initially believed that the bishop would refuse him help.
Answer: True
4. The bishop referred to his house as the “House of Christ.”
Answer: True
5. The story takes place in a bustling city.
Answer: False
6. Convicts in France were treated with respect and acceptance after their release.
Answer: False
7. The bishop gave Jean Valjean the stolen silver and the candlesticks.
Answer: True
8. Jean Valjean’s conscience wavered before he stole the silver.
Answer: True
9. The story’s title, “The Redemption,” reflects its themes of forgiveness and transformation.
Answer: True
10. Light is used symbolically in the story to represent positive qualities.
Answer: True
11. Jean Valjean was arrested after stealing from the bishop but later set free.
Answer: True
12. The bishop regretted letting Jean Valjean into his house.
Answer: False
13. Jean Valjean promised the bishop to use the silver for good.
Answer: True
14. The bishop’s actions reflected a selfless and compassionate nature.
Answer: True
15. The bishop referred to Jean Valjean as “My Brother.”
Answer: True
16. Jean Valjean remained unchanged by his encounter with the bishop.
Answer: False
17. The bishop’s home was described as luxurious and grand.
Answer: False
18. Jean Valjean felt guilty after stealing the silver.
Answer: True
19. Victor Hugo contrasts light and darkness to highlight internal conflicts.
Answer: True
20. The bishop refused to forgive Jean Valjean after the theft.
Answer: False
