I introduce Hugo by introducing the geography of his country. I have students research France s location, borders, climate, rivers and major cities. We discuss and review these subjects in class orally and through projects. Some of the projects students enjoy doing are topographical maps, projects depicting natural resources and a re-creation of the Eiffel Tower. Victor Hugo holds an appeal not only because of the great masterpieces he has given us but because of his own fascinating life and the time in French history during which he lived.
Students do a report on the biography of Victor Hugo.
In order to understand fully his life and works, students must have a true understanding of French history during his lifetime. Students make a time line of French history from 1789 through 1852. We spend time comparing the French Revolution with the American Revolution. At the end of this study, students should have a fairly complete understanding of French Revolution and therefore have increased their knowledge of European history generally. I give students a lesson on the government today, explaining and comparing it to our own.