With great solemnity, the Bishop continued, in a low
but firm voice: 20
"Jean Valjean, henceforth you belong only to good.
Your soul I have bought and herewith I banish from it all
black thoughts and the spirit of Evil, and give it to Good."
—Les Misérables.
1. Who are the two characters that come into contact here? Tell what each is like. What, in a way, does each represent?
2. Did Valjean have any intention of robbing anyone when he asked for lodging? Was Valjean accountable for the theft? Discuss fully.
3. Where is the point of highest dramatic interest? If you were painting a scene from the selection, which would you select?
4. Explain why the Bishop did what he did in the final scene.