The 12 lessons of this unit focus on the author"s craft in developing character and plot, and the connections with history. The activities are varied to involve a maximum of student participation and to foster an understanding of human values relevant to our century. Objectives and procedures for the teaching of the novel are clearly stated. Resources include: a timeline of the French Revolution, map of France, several song lyrics from the Broadway musical for analysis, and several critical reviews of the novel. Themes covered include the struggle of conscience/integrity, transfiguration, resurrection, love, and evil versus good. A final evaluation test and answer key are included. through reading, writing, discussion, role-playing, and dramatizing, students, by the novel"s end, begin to see how all the diverse elements of humanity and history are a part of a great tapestry of life created by the author.