Les Miserables written by Victor Hugo is considered one of the most famous and classic literary works. The book is set in the period 1815 to 1832 in France. Many people have enjoyed this novel which tells the story of Jean Valjean and his beloved daughter, Cosette. However, “Les Mis,” the nickname that is often used for this book, is a long story that can make many people find it difficult to read this novel, especially if the text is used as a school assignment. By using some basic reading techniques and trying alternative media to understand the content of the novel, you can read and enjoy this classic literary work.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Completing Les Miserables
Step 1. Purchase a well-translated version of the book
Les Miserables has many different translated versions. Choose the version of the book that suits your reading needs and has been translated well.
Generally, the academic versions of these novels have the best translations and also contain useful annotations. You can buy them at specialty bookstores as well as retail stores on the internet
Step 2. Make sure you don't read on a whim
If you force yourself to read a book because there are pressures that come from yourself or the social environment, reading this book can be a tedious job. Avoid putting pressure on yourself to enjoy reading this work that tells of imperial France as well as this story of penance.
- Keep books at home or at work. This can motivate you to read it if you are bored or need alternative entertainment other than watching television.
- Take a book with you when you are on vacation, such as to an amusement park or beach, or when you are using public transportation. Bringing a book can help keep you entertained when you're bored or need something to distract you.
Step 3. Review a book when you are relaxed
Don't read when you're feeling pressured or in a hurry. Reading this novel calmly can help you enjoy the story even better.
- Research has shown that a quiet and comfortable environment can motivate you to read.
- For example, keep a novel near your bed. This step helps you to be able to read it before bed. In addition, you can also read a book while drinking coffee at the cafe on Saturday morning.
Step 4. Use study aids
If you're having trouble finishing Les Miserables because it contains complex historical events, consider using learning aids (textbooks, academic notes, summaries, essays, and other media that can help you understand a topic) to help you finish the book. This can help you understand the text as well as the topic. Apart from that, this method can also help you enjoy the book.
- Almost all influential literary works have learning aids that contain annotations that explain parts of the book that are difficult to understand. The CliffsNotes website, Shmoop, and the Masterplots book can help you understand historical and thematic elements.
- It's a good idea to read history textbooks carefully for important context on imperial France. This is done so that you can understand this novel. Mark Traugott's The Insurgent Barricade provides an interesting insight into the origins of the Parisian barricades and their use in political uprisings.
- Discuss difficulties experienced with teachers or friends. They may be able to offer advice on an effective way to finish the novel.
Method 2 of 3: Reviewing Les Miserables Carefully for Assignments
Step 1. Make a plan
If you feel overwhelmed by the book or don't really like reading, make a plan to tackle this task. This step can help you complete the task using a careful plan.
- There are various ways of making plans to complete this reading assignment. For example, if you had three weeks to complete this 1500 page book, you could divide it into 71.5 pages per day.
- You can also allocate a certain amount of time to each chapter of the book. This can help you avoid getting stuck in any part of the story. For example, you can plan to read one or more chapters per day if the chapters are short.
- Take a break to refresh your body and mind.
Step 2. Start reading the book as soon as possible
There is nothing wrong if you start reading books as early as possible. This can minimize stress and help you remember information and enjoy the book.
Read the book 30 to 60 minutes per day to help you complete this work effectively
Step 3. Break the book into not-so-long sections
Reading shorter, easier-to-understand sections of the story can help you finish this book well. This is done to make sure you have read the whole story even if you didn't enjoy the work.
Organize the reading process by not exceeding the time allotted for each chapter. This can motivate you to finish the book
Step 4. Apply gutting strategy. People who read a lot of texts, including academics, use a technique called gutting to get the most important information in the reading. Learning how to apply the gutting technique in this book can help you finish and enjoy the book.
- The introduction and conclusion or the first and last few chapters are usually the most important parts of any text. Make sure you read the section carefully. After that, use skimming techniques on the rest of the text to find important information.
- In many cases, reading the first page of a novel can give you a general idea of the subject of the book.
- Applying skimming while reading a book, which is equivalent to reading 450 words per minute, can help you understand important plot points in a book without focusing on language, character development, or minor themes.
- You should use learning aids that provide plot summaries to help you determine which parts of the book to read, skip, and apply skimming techniques.
- You can understand the plot by using learning aids and then applying skimming techniques to find important literary devices, such as dialogue or imagery.
Step 5. Take notes while reading
Take notes while reading a book. You may have to recall the information obtained for classwork or other purposes. By taking notes as you read, you can create learning aids in books.
- You should make balanced notes so that the information contained is neither too little nor too much. Don't write down everything you read. Instead, jot down the most relevant information.
- Make notes by hand. Research has shown that taking notes by hand can help people remember information more effectively than typing it on a computer or recording it.
Method 3 of 3: Trying Alternative Media Other Than Books
Step 1. Use media other than books
The story of Les Miserables is not only told through novels, but also through various other adaptations. Its popularity has resulted in plays, films, and musicals. Consider watching one of these adaptations to help you understand the story or as an alternative to reading a book.
- There are many versions of the film Les Miserables. You can watch any version of the film to understand the story.
- You can watch plays or musicals. Big cities like New York and London still stage Les Miserables. If the theater in your city doesn't perform this work, you can watch it on YouTube or another website where recordings of the play are available.
- Watching a movie or watching a play based on this book can help motivate you to read.
- If you travel a lot, try reading this novel using an e-reader or tablet computer instead of a book. This can help you pass the time without having to carry heavy books with you on a trip.
Step 2. Suggest this book to the reading club
Reading can sometimes be a tedious activity or should be done alone. Proposing Les Miserables to a reading club can make reading a book a fun activity.
- Watching how stories develop and discussing them with others can be a very powerful motivator and increase the enjoyment of reading for many people.
- Read Les Miserables while doing other fun activities like eating French food or drinking a glass of French wine.
Step 3. Listen to the Les Miserables audiobook. If you don't like reading, listen to the audiobook version of Les Miserables. This can help you enjoy the story without having to read it.
Research has shown that listening to audiobooks provides the same intellectual benefits as reading books. In fact, there are some people who can learn better by hearing than by sight
Step 4. Read the book without rushing
If you're reading this book for entertainment, you don't have the pressure to finish it quickly. Reading books without rushing can help you enjoy this literary classic.
Break down the book by chapter to facilitate the reading process
Tips
- After you finish the book, you can reward yourself by renting the film adaptation or watching the musical.
- For an added challenge, read the French version of the book.
