This passage is from *Les Misérables* by Victor Hugo, and it’s asking you to think deeply about how people are like animals — not in a literal way, but in terms of their inner qualities or “souls.” The author says that if we could see souls, we’d notice each person matches a certain animal based on their character. For example, someone thoughtful might be like an eagle, while someone wild or aggressive might be like a tiger.
The main idea here is:
→ Our actions and personalities (our virtues and vices) show what kind of “animal” our soul resembles.
→ Animals aren’t just real creatures — they’re symbols of human traits.
→ God gave us intelligence so we can learn and improve ourselves through education.
→ Even though this view is limited (because we only see the physical world), it still helps us understand deeper truths about people.
Since there are no specific questions listed in your image, I’ll assume you’re being asked to summarize or explain the meaning of the passage.
Here’s what you need to know:
1.
Main Point: People have inner natures that match animal types — not because they look like them, but because of their behavior and spirit.
2.
Why It Matters: This helps us reflect on who we are and how we act. If we see ourselves as “like a pig” or “like an eagle,” we can choose to change or grow.
3.
Role of Education: Humans are special because we can learn and become better — unlike animals, which act on instinct.
4.
Limitation: We can only guess at these truths from the outside; we don’t fully know what’s inside others (or even ourselves).
If your teacher gave you follow-up questions (like “What does Hugo mean by ‘visible phantoms of our souls’?” or “Why does he say education is useful?”), you now have the tools to answer them.
Final Answer:
The passage explains that every person’s soul reflects the nature of a certain animal — not physically, but in character. These animal comparisons help us understand human virtues and flaws. Unlike animals, humans can use education to grow and improve, since we have intelligence and free will. Though we can’t truly see souls, thinking this way encourages self-reflection and moral growth.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of 10th grade reading comprehension worksheet.