Examine the current conditions in U.S. prisons and contrast today's prison experience with that of Valjean in the novel.

Reflect on the ethical issues related to imprisonment highlighted in book two, chapter seven ("The inwardness of despair"). Does Hugo view prison as an effective method for punishing criminals? According to Hugo, does prison reform criminals, or does it lead to increased violence? How does the author propose that prisoners should be treated? Use examples from the novel to support your conclusions.

Research the economic, legal, and social definitions of poverty in the United States today and compare them to the conditions of poverty in Paris as depicted in the novel.