Victor Hugo's social-historical novel Les Miserables ("The Miserables") is considered one of the most famous classic works of world literature. It is set in France and the story takes place in a period between 1815 and 1832; many people have become passionate about the events of Jean Valjean and his beloved daughter Cosette. However, it is a very long novel and can pose a challenge, especially when its reading is assigned as a school assignment. By practicing some basic reading techniques and considering alternative means of familiarizing yourself with the work, you can read and appreciate this classic novel of literature.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Can Read "The Wretched"
Step 1. Purchase a well translated version
Victor Hugo's work has been translated many times, so choose a version that suits your needs and is faithful to the original.
Academic versions generally offer the best translation and are accompanied by numerous useful notes. You can buy them in university bookstores or online
Step 2. Don't force yourself to read
Reading can become a daunting task if you try too hard to finish the book to meet personal or social expectations. Don't feel pressured, so you can truly enjoy reading this book about imperial France and redemption.
- Keep the book handy in your home or office. This way, you are encouraged to read it when you get bored or instead of watching television.
- Take it with you on vacation, to the pool, to an amusement park or on your home-work trip. Always having it available, you can read it when you feel bored or need to be distracted.
Step 3. Browse it when relaxed
Avoid engaging in reading when you are in a hurry or nervous. Reading "The Miserable" when you are quiet allows you to enjoy the story even more.
- Studies have shown that a positive and relaxed environment can motivate people to read.
- For example, keep the book on the nightstand next to the bed; that way, you can read it before bed. Alternatively, make an appointment with yourself and take it to the bar on Saturday morning, to read it while sipping a cappuccino.
Step 4. Consult a study guide
If you are having difficulty reading the work because it deals with complex historical events, consider using a supporting material to help you complete the assignment. By doing so, you can understand the text and key topics, as well as enjoy reading better.
- Most literary novels are accompanied by study guides, which contain notes and comments to explain the more complex passages and chapters. Do some research online or ask the bookstore clerk what the most useful handouts are.
- You can also carefully study a history textbook, to get a clear picture of the historical and social context of imperial France which, in turn, allows you to better understand the novel. For example, Mark Traugott's book, The Insurgent Barricade (in English) provides a fascinating overview of the origins of Parisian barricades and how they were used during political uprisings.
- Discuss all your difficulties with a teacher or friend. Both of them will be able to suggest effective ways to finish reading the book.
Method 2 of 3: Reread "The Wretched" Strategically for a Task
Step 1. Set up a study plan
If you feel overwhelmed by the length of the novel or don't like reading, develop a plan for coping with the task. This way, you can get the job done strategically.
- There are several techniques for organizing a reading assignment. For example, if you have three weeks to read a 1500-page tome, you can commit to 71.5 pages a day.
- You can also dedicate a specific amount of time to each chapter. This approach allows you not to get stuck in one part of the story. For example, you can try to read one chapter a day or more than one if they are short.
- Take breaks to refresh your mind and recharge your batteries.
Step 2. Start reading as soon as possible
It is never too early to start a task like this. By doing this, you minimize stress and you can better internalize the information, not to mention that you can really enjoy the work.
Read for 30-60 minutes a day to effectively complete the assignment
Step 3. Break the work into more manageable sections
Reading shorter, more practical parts allows you to finish the book on time and ensures that you read each chapter even when it's not very pleasant.
Keep the pace to avoid not exceeding the time you have set for each chapter; this simple ploy motivates you to read the entire text
Step 4. Take advantage of quick reading techniques
People who read a lot of texts, including university ones, use techniques to quickly extract the most important information and complete reading tasks. By learning to apply these methods to "The Miserable", you will be able to read the work effectively and pleasantly.
- The most important sections of any text are usually the introduction and conclusion, that is, the opening and closing chapters. Remember to read them carefully and then scroll through the rest to find the meaningful details.
- In many cases, reading the first page of a novel is enough to get a general idea of the subject.
- Scrolling through the text, which means reading about 450 words per minute, helps you understand the salient stages of the plot, without focusing on language, character development and other minor themes.
- You can also use a study guide that provides a synopsis of the plot, so you understand what you should read, what you should scroll through, and what you can just omit.
- You can get an overview of the text by studying handouts and then quickly scrolling through important literary tools, such as dialogue or imagery.
Step 5. Take notes as you read
Write some notes in the sidelines as you read the novel. You may need to remember some information for a lesson or other circumstance. By taking notes while reading, you can create a personalized study guide.
- Note-taking is an art that requires the right balance between jotting down too much information and too little. Don't write everything you read, just the details or the most important concepts.
- Write your notes by hand. Studies have shown that people remember information better when they write it by hand than when they type it on a computer or record it on a device.
Method 3 of 3: Try Alternatives to Reading
Step 1. Rely on other mediums besides books
The work I miserabili has been proposed in many different forms, as well as as a novel. Its popularity has inspired musicals, films and plays. Consider attending one of these performances to understand the story or as an alternative to reading.
- The filmography of this book is very large. You can watch one of these cinematic works to understand the plot.
- You can also go to the theater for a play or a musical. The latter, written in 1980, has been translated into 21 languages and presented in 38 countries. There is also a film adaptation of the musical released since 2012.
- You may find that when you watch the movie or watch the play, you feel more motivated to read.
- If you travel a lot, use an ebook reader instead of a hard copy of the text. This way, you can pass the time without carrying heavy books in your suitcase.
Step 2. Recommend this work to your book club
Reading can sometimes become a boring or lonely undertaking. Suggest "The Miserable" as the next readable text to your book circle, to make it more enjoyable.
- Watching the story unfold and discussing it as a group is a source of great motivation for many people. Also, in this way the reading becomes more pleasant.
- Combine reading this novel with other enjoyable activities, such as enjoying a plate or sipping a glass of French wine.
Step 3. Listen to the audiobook
If you don't really like reading, listen to the audio version of the book. That way, you can savor the story without having to physically read.
Studies have shown that listening to a text read offers the same intellectual benefits as reading in the first person. In fact, there are people who learn best by listening, rather than through visual stimulation
Step 4. Take your time
If you have decided to read the novel for pleasure, there is no rush to finish it quickly. Take the time to fully enjoy this literary classic.
Break the text into chapters to make it more manageable
Advice
- Once you have finished reading the work, you can reward yourself by watching the film version or the musical.
- If you want to face a bigger challenge, you can read the original text in French.
