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.
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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.
Video tutorial
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.
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
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
20. The bishop refused to forgive Jean Valjean after the theft.
Answer: False
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger who manages Online Free Notes. An avid reader of Victorian literature, his favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He dreams of travelling the world. You can connect with him on social media. He does personal writing on ronism.
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