Question

The play is based on an incident in novelist Victor Hugo’s ‘Les Miserables.’ You may want to read the novel to get a better idea of the socio-economic conditions of the times and how people lived. Another novel that may interest you is ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ by Charles Dickens.

Divide the class into two groups and read a book each. Later, share your views on the book. Choose an incident from the book to dramatise and present before the class.

Answer 1

Group 1: Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

We read Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. The novel presents the poverty, injustice and suffering faced by poor people in France. The story shows how society often treated poor and helpless people harshly. We found the character of Jean Valjean very inspiring because his life changes when he receives kindness from the Bishop. This connects closely with The Bishop’s Candlesticks.

Group 2: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

We read A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. The novel is set during the French Revolution and describes the inequality between the rich and the poor. It shows how poverty, injustice and anger can lead to great social change. We liked the character of Sydney Carton, whose sacrifice at the end of the novel shows his love and concern for another person.