Caleb's Blog

 This chapter was also a more confusing chapter. What stood out to me was how the Bishop was challenged in way that we hadn't seen before. The Bishop and the other man were at the same level intellectually and because of that they were really able to have a meaningful conversation. It was also interesting how the Bishop was kind of short and cold towards him as we hadn't seen him act this way with anyone, even the drunk senator who was basically insulting him.

2 things really stood out to me in this chapter. The first is how real the author made the letter. Specifically with the P.S. section, and that part where it says that there was an illegible word written by Madame Baptistine. Little details like those really makes you forget that this isn't actually a real letter that was written.  I also thought it was nice to get to see the perspective of  Madame Baptistine. We've seen her reactions to things her brother does in different chapters, but this allows us to know exactly what she thinks. And even though she is scared or nervous about some of those things, she still completely trusts her brother and knows that he is just doing what is best for everybody. 

 When I first found out we were going to be reading Les Misérables I thought it would just be another boring analysis of a book I didn't want to read. However, it has actually been a quite enjoyable book. One of the most enjoyable parts for me has been the Bishop. I like his character so much because of how consistently good he is. He understands what the right thing to do is and doesn't change his beliefs for any body. The 3 literary techniques that I have noticed the most are the indirect characterization, setting, and the foreshadowing. The author had used a lot of indirect characterization with the bishop. The amount of respect just Madame Baptistine has for him tells us that he is a really good person. And if that wasn't enough, almost all his actions in the book, even the ones where he is alone, back up the idea that he is just a good,, honorable person. I've also really appreciated the details in the setting. I always really enjoy when the author gives really goo...

Reading is supposed to be fun, but sometimes reading for school is a challenge. Here are four ways we can have more fun reading and do it better at the same time.  1.You need to read books that you love. Often times when we have reading assignments, we don't get to choose what we read and it becomes a real chore. When we choose the books we love, it becomes a more enjoyable experience. 2. You also need to try and better understand the books you don't love. Trying to understand these books can change your point of view about them and could help you see past just the negative qualities. It could even help make it a book you love. 3.You have to change what reading means to you. As you get older it should become more than just recognizing words on a page. It should be more about understanding the deeper meanings that you are able to find or how you interpret those passages. 4. The last technique is be able to love learning. You can't just be focused on just getting the grade, o...

This chapter was a little confusing for me to understand, specifically the references they were making. However, I was able to get the gist of the chapter. Basically, the Senator doesn't think there is anything beyond ones life, and that one you die then that's it for you. I did find it interesting how he said religion was for the poor or struggling people to have some form of hope and how the Bishop responded that only really the rich have access to that belief of materialism since they are the only ones who can get almost any material thing that they want. I also thought that they seemed pretty respectful of each other. They both were able to say their points without the other interrupting or getting offended. I admire both of them for that as today it is becoming more of a rare thing. 

The Bishop is a very brave and confident person to be able to go and approach those criminals all by himself. I guess that just shows how faithful he was. I do wonder though if he was a little scared and was just putting on a brave face, but from what I've read in earlier chapters, he probably wasn't. The last thing that stood out to me in this chapter was the question at the end of whether or not to return the treasure should be returned to the cathedral or to the hospital. After thinking it over, I think it should go back to the cathedral. I think it belongs in the cathedral because it technically belongs to them, and giving it to the hospital, even if it was for a good purpose, is like stealing. I think it should be up to the cathedral what they want to do with the treasure. This chapter wasn't really long so that was all that stood out to me.