Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will have a deeper understanding of the historical background of Les Misérables and be able to create your own art inspired by the themes in the story.
Materials and Prep
- Copy of Les Misérables book or access to the story online
- Paper and art supplies (colored pencils, markers, crayons)
- Access to a computer or tablet for research
Activities
- Character Sketches: Choose a character from Les Misérables and create a detailed sketch of how you imagine them based on the descriptions in the book.
- Timeline of Events: Research the historical context of Les Misérables and create a timeline of key events that influenced the story.
- Quote Art: Select a powerful quote from the book and create an artistic representation of its meaning using colors and shapes.
Talking Points
- Introduction to Les Misérables: "Les Misérables is a famous novel written by Victor Hugo in 1862. It is set in early 19th-century France during a time of political and social unrest."
- Themes in the Story: "The key themes in Les Misérables include redemption, love, sacrifice, and the struggle for justice. These themes are still relevant today."
- Historical Background: "The story is set against the backdrop of the June Rebellion in Paris in 1832, which was a real historical event. It was a time of great poverty and inequality in France."
- Character Analysis: "Characters like Jean Valjean, Cosette, and Javert represent different aspects of society and morality. Each character has a unique role in the story."
- Artistic Expression: "Creating art inspired by Les Misérables allows us to explore our emotions and interpretations of the story. Art can convey powerful messages."