The Most Dark and Miserable of Songs Quiz

Answer:

"Les Miserables" had an interesting genesis: The musical is based on the book by Victor Hugo, which was published in 1862. However, the musical version began life as a concept album, which was written in French and premiered over a hundred years later in 1980 by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg. Herbert Kretzmer then wrote the English lyrics.

In trying to include a breadth of songs with a variety of different characters singing, and during different times and events, the following songs were included:

"I Dreamed a Dream" is sung by Fantine, about how she once had hope and dreams for the future. She then became pregnant with Cosette and despite a wonderful summer with Cosette's father, he vanished. Despite her hopes and dreams that he will return, he does not, and now her life is more nightmare than dream.

"The Confrontation" is a duet between Valjean and Javert. As the title suggests, they finally confront each other. Valjean insists that he must go and save Fantine's dying child, whereas Javert argues that Valjean cannot possibly change - he was a criminal and will remain so - and after being hunted for so long, he is not going to let Valjean just turn and leave. They both make a promise: Valjean's to Fantine, that he will find Cosette and raise her well, and Javert's promise to Valjean that he will always find him no matter where he runs.

"Castle on a Cloud" is primarily sung by young Cosette (with an appearance by Madame Thenardier) about how she can only escape from her miserable existence with the Thenardiers in her dreams. It contrasts her dream about her paradise and her mother with the harsh reality that she faces.

"Master of the House" is a character-establishing piece exploring the Thenardiers and also puts a lens on their shady deals at the inn that they run. Thenardier depicts himself as a beloved landlord while Madame Thenardier sings to belittle him.

"Stars" is a solo by Javert, suggesting that his guiding light is the Lord and reinforcing how important it is that he must see Valjean caught and put behind bars for his crimes. It makes clear his strong belief in justice and in his own convictions.

"A Heart Full of Love" explores the feelings between Cosette and Marius as they fall in love at first sight and become acquainted, while Eponine looks on and tries to comfort herself that although she loves Marius, he has never thought of her in that way, therefore, she can't really lose somebody that she never had.

"The Attack on Rue Plumet" has parts by many characters. It depicts Thenardier and his gang making a decision to rob Valjean's house (due to his recognising Valjean from when he bought Cosette). Knowing that Marius is still there visiting Cosette, Eponine makes the decision to scream and alert the house to the impending danger primarily to save Marius (after a failed attempt to convince them not to go ahead with it). This alerts Valjean as Thenardier and his gang scramble away, as does Marius, though not without informing Eponine how grateful he is that she warned them.

"On My Own" is sung by Eponine, regarding her apparently unrequited love for Marius, who she knows is in love with Cosette. Despite their friendliness, she is alone in her feelings (and physically alone on the stage for this song) as he can't see her romantically, even before the situation with Cosette.

"Bring Him Home" is sung by Valjean. He knows that Marius is the young man who Cosette loves, and he prays that Marius be okay despite the perilous situation with which he has involved himself.

"Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" is sung by Marius. In the ABC cafe that he previously visited with his friends and spoke of hope about the idea of revolution, his friends have all died in that failed fight for freedom and he alone has outlived them only to see that it has all come to nothing. He is haunted by survivor's guilt and questions whether or not it was worth it, as there is nothing to show for the sacrifice.

Of the incorrect answers:

"Shoes Upon the Table" comes from the musical "Blood Brothers" by Willy Russell, set in Liverpool. It's an exploration of nature vs nurture as well as class issues in the period in which it was set, the main plot being about a woman (Mrs Johnstone) in poverty with a large number of children suddenly finding out she is pregnant with twins, and she knows she will not be able to manage two more children. She's a housekeeper to a woman who cannot have children but longs for a child (Mrs Lyons), so they make an agreement that she can have one of the twins. Another theme of the musical is the belief in superstition - "Shoes Upon the Table" explores that theme and is a frequent refrain in this musical, sung by the Narrator. The intention in adding this title into the mix was a connection between a superstitious song title and all of the misfortune that befalls in "Les Miserables".

"This Little Girl" comes from "Matilda: The Musical", composed by and with lyrics from Tim Minchin. For those familiar with the TV adaption, this song may seem unfamiliar as it was one of a number that was cut from that particular adaption. In the theatre version of the musical, it's a song by Miss Honey, both about her musings on Matilda (and how she needs to support her) while also exploring Miss Honey's lack of self-worth (linking back to previous songs such as "Pathetic" - also by Miss Honey and also cut from the TV adaption). The intent here in adding this quiz title was that it could tentatively point to young Cosette.

"One More Angel in Heaven" comes from "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It's a depiction of a story from Genesis in the bible, and is about the trials of the titular Joseph being sold into slavery and then rising from the depths of despair to being an advisor to the pharaoh. This particular song is primarily sung by Reuben, the eldest of Joseph's brothers, announcing apologetically and insincerely to their father, Jacob, that Joseph has been killed (their cover story for selling him into slavery).They do at least present him as having died in a heroic deed. Since "Les Miserables" features a lot of death, it was a title that felt that it could fit here especially in reference to Marius' mourning of his friends.

"Agony" felt like a very befitting song title to put in a quiz about a show called "Les Miserables", but it actually comes from "Into the Woods", which is a Stephen Sondheim classic. It's a mashup of various fairy tales, mostly prominently Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, and Rapunzel. However, it reveals that perhaps things don't always end with a "happily ever after" as the consequences of everybody's actions frequently get the better of them. "Agony" is a song sung by two princes (those from Cinderella and Rapunzel's stories) about how they've fallen in love yet, for entirely different reasons and obstacles, that their love appears to be unattainable despite their (self-described) charm and handsomeness.

"So Long, Farewell" comes from "The Sound of Music", with the lyrics of the musical by Oscar Hammerstein II and the music by Richard Rodgers. It tells the story of Maria, a nun from the abbey who loves to sing but doesn't seem well suited to the life of a nun being sent to be a governess to the children of Captain von Trapp. The children have a history of sending away governesses, but grow to love Maria and her singing. She teaches them to sing, and the children perform this song to an admiring group of adults (despite their father's initial of her approach, which is in stark contrast to his military-style control of his family). Again, the song title can be approached in different ways, where the second is more suggestive of a departure from death which is the reason for its inclusion in this list.