Bishop's Candlesticks Summary, Characters and Question answers
Summary of Bishop's Candlesticks:-
"Bishop's Candlesticks" is a short story by Norman McKinnel, which is also part of a play called "Les Misérables." The story is set in France and revolves around a compassionate bishop and an escaped convict, Jean Valjean. Here is a detailed summary of the story:
The story begins with Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who has spent 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread. He is released but finds it difficult to get work and shelter due to his criminal record. Hungry and desperate, he is welcomed by the compassionate Bishop of Digne, Monseigneur Myriel, who offers him food and a place to stay for the night.
However, during the night, Valjean steals the bishop's silverware and flees. He is soon caught by the local police and brought back to the bishop's house, expecting to be accused and arrested again.
To his surprise, the bishop not only forgives him but also gives him two silver candlesticks, declaring that Valjean forgot to take them with him. This act of kindness and forgiveness has a profound impact on Valjean, who decides to turn his life around.
Valjean reforms and becomes a successful and honest man, ultimately becoming the mayor of a town. He uses his wealth to help others, including a struggling factory worker named Fantine and her daughter Cosette. Valjean's transformation is driven by the bishop's act of mercy and kindness.
The story of "Bishop's Candlesticks" highlights themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of compassion. It serves as a crucial turning point in the character of Jean Valjean, setting the stage for his journey of personal redemption throughout Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables".
Bishop's Candlesticks
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Characters of Bishop's Candlesticks
In the short story "Bishop's Candlesticks," written by Norman McKinnel and based on Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables," there are three main characters:
1) Bishop Monseigneur Charles Myriel:
He is the kind and compassionate bishop of Digne. Bishop Myriel is a symbol of charity, forgiveness, and benevolence. He opens his home to the desperate and hungry Jean Valjean, offers him food and shelter, and later forgives him for stealing the bishop's silverware. His act of forgiveness and generosity plays a pivotal role in the story, as it leads to Jean Valjean's transformation.
2) Jean Valjean:
Valjean is an ex-convict who spent 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's starving child. Upon his release, he is destitute and desperate. His encounter with Bishop Myriel and the subsequent act of forgiveness set him on a path of redemption. Valjean becomes the central character of Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables" and transforms into an honest and compassionate man who seeks to make amends for his past.
3) Madame Magloire:
Madame Magloire is the bishop's housekeeper. She is a minor character in the story but plays a role in assisting the bishop in his acts of charity and hospitality. She is a loyal and dedicated servant to the bishop and helps prepare meals and accommodations for guests like Jean Valjean.
These three characters are at the core of "Bishop's Candlesticks," with Bishop Myriel's compassionate act and Jean Valjean's transformation serving as the central focus of the narrative.
Question answers from Bishop's Candlesticks
"Bishop's Candlesticks" is a play by Norman McKinnell, which is based on a part of Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables." Here are some questions and answers related to the play:
Q: Who are the main characters in "Bishop's Candlesticks"?
A: The main characters are the Bishop, the Convict, Marie, and Persome.
Q: What is the central theme of the play?
A: The central theme of the play is redemption and the transformative power of kindness.
Q: What is the relationship between the Convict and the Bishop?
A: The Convict breaks into the Bishop's house and initially tries to steal from him. The Bishop's kindness and compassion, however, transform their relationship.
Q: What is the significance of the silver candlesticks in the play?
A: The silver candlesticks represent the Bishop's trust in the goodness of humanity. He gives them to the Convict, believing that this act of kindness will change the Convict's life.
Q: How does the play explore the concept of forgiveness?
A: The play showcases the Bishop's willingness to forgive the Convict for his past crimes and offers him a chance at redemption. It demonstrates the power of forgiveness in changing lives.
Q: What role does Marie play in the story?
A: Marie is the Bishop's sister, and she is initially distrustful of the Convict. Her character adds complexity to the narrative by representing skepticism and caution.
Q: How does Persome react to the Bishop's decision to give away the silver candlesticks?
A: Persome is initially upset and concerned about the loss of the valuable candlesticks, but she eventually comes to understand and support the Bishop's decision.
Q: What is the ultimate message or moral of "Bishop's Candlesticks"?
A: The play conveys a message of the transformative power of love, forgiveness, and selflessness. It highlights the potential for positive change in even the most hardened hearts.
Q: Who are the main characters in "Bishop's Candlesticks"?
A: The main characters are the Bishop, the Convict, Marie, and Persome.
Q: What is the central theme of the play?
A: The central theme of the play is redemption and the transformative power of kindness.
Q: What is the relationship between the Convict and the Bishop?
A: The Convict breaks into the Bishop's house and initially tries to steal from him. The Bishop's kindness and compassion, however, transform their relationship.
Q: What is the significance of the silver candlesticks in the play?
A: The silver candlesticks represent the Bishop's trust in the goodness of humanity. He gives them to the Convict, believing that this act of kindness will change the Convict's life.
Q: How does the play explore the concept of forgiveness?
A: The play showcases the Bishop's willingness to forgive the Convict for his past crimes and offers him a chance at redemption. It demonstrates the power of forgiveness in changing lives.
Q: What role does Marie play in the story?
A Marie is the Bishop's sister, and she is initially distrustful of the Convict. Her character adds complexity to the narrative by representing skepticism and caution.
Q: How does Persome react to the Bishop's decision to give away the silver candlesticks?
A: Persome is initially upset and concerned about the loss of the valuable candlesticks, but she eventually comes to understand and support the Bishop's decision.
Q: What is the ultimate message or moral of "Bishop's Candlesticks"?
A: The play conveys a message of the transformative power of love, forgiveness, and selflessness. It highlights the potential for positive change in even the most hardened hearts.
Q: What is the turning point in the play that leads to the Convict's change of heart?
A: The turning point occurs when the Bishop shows the Convict an act of kindness by offering him a warm meal and a bed for the night, rather than turning him over to the authorities.
Q: How does the Convict's past influence his behavior at the beginning of the play?
A: The Convict's difficult past, marked by poverty and desperation, drives him to steal in a moment of despair, leading to his initial criminal behavior.
Q: Describe the Bishop's character and values in the play.
A: The Bishop is portrayed as a devout and compassionate man who lives by Christian values. He believes in helping those in need and demonstrating kindness to even the most troubled individuals.
Q: What is the role of the silver candlesticks in the Bishop's life, both symbolically and practically?
A: Symbolically, the silver candlesticks represent the Bishop's commitment to his faith and his belief in the power of grace. Practically, they are valuable possessions that are eventually given away to the Convict.
Q: How does the play reflect the social and economic disparities of its time?
A: The play highlights the stark contrast between the affluent Bishop's household and the destitution of the Convict. It illustrates the inequalities and hardships faced by individuals in society.
Q: What is the significance of the Bishop's act of forgiveness in the context of the story?
A: The Bishop's act of forgiveness is the heart of the story, showing that even those who have committed wrongs can be redeemed through compassion and understanding.
Q: How does the play emphasize the importance of second chances?
A: "Bishop's Candlesticks" underscores the idea that everyone deserves a second chance, and that by offering that chance, one can bring about positive change in another person's life.
Q: How does the play conclude, and what is the fate of the characters?
A: The play concludes with the Convict being transformed by the Bishop's kindness and vowing to lead an honest life. It ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing the power of redemption.
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