Who is the author of the classic French novel "Les Misérables"?

Introduction / Context:
"Les Misérables" is one of the greatest works of nineteenth century French literature. It deals with themes of justice, grace, revolution, and human suffering, and has been adapted into films and stage musicals worldwide. Because of its enduring impact, many exams include questions about its author. Correctly associating "Les Misérables" with Victor Hugo demonstrates familiarity with major European literary classics and their creators.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The novel in question is "Les Misérables". • It is known as a major French literary work. • Four prominent authors are listed, all of whom produced classic literature. • Only one of them actually wrote "Les Misérables". • The question focuses purely on authorship, not on plot or characters.

Concept / Approach:
Victor Hugo is the French author most closely associated with grand, socially conscious novels such as "Les Misérables" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame". The other authors listed belong to different national literatures: Dostoevsky and Tolstoy are Russian, while Alexandre Dumas wrote adventure novels like "The Three Musketeers". The correct approach is to recall the nationality and typical works of each author and then connect the French novel "Les Misérables" with Victor Hugo.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall that "Les Misérables" is set in France and follows the life of Jean Valjean against the backdrop of social and political upheaval. 2. Remember that Victor Hugo, a French writer, used his novels to highlight injustice, poverty, and moral redemption. 3. Examine option a, Victor Hugo, and connect this name directly with "Les Misérables". 4. Evaluate option b, Fyodor Dostoevsky, who authored Russian novels like "Crime and Punishment" and "The Brothers Karamazov". 5. Evaluate option c, Leo Tolstoy, another Russian writer known for "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina". 6. Evaluate option d, Alexandre Dumas, also a French author but associated with adventure tales, not this particular novel. 7. Conclude that Victor Hugo is the only author that correctly fits "Les Misérables".

Verification / Alternative check:
Classroom discussions, literature syllabi, and summaries of European classics consistently attribute "Les Misérables" to Victor Hugo. The large number of adaptations, including stage musicals, often mention his name in credits. Comparing the writing styles of Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Dumas, and Hugo reveals that only Hugo focused so extensively on French social conditions through this specific title. Furthermore, bibliographies of the other authors do not include "Les Misérables", which confirms that option a is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
• Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote psychological novels set in Russia and did not author "Les Misérables". • Leo Tolstoy is famous for long Russian novels focused on aristocratic life and peasant issues, not this French narrative. • Alexandre Dumas did write in French but is best known for adventure and historical romances, not for "Les Misérables".

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse authors when they see several classic names together, especially if they remember only that "Les Misérables" is a European novel. Some might mistakenly choose Tolstoy or Dostoevsky because they wrote very long novels, similar in size to Hugo's work. Another trap is to see two French names, Hugo and Dumas, and guess between them without recalling their distinct subject matter. To avoid this, it is helpful to memorise key pairs such as Victor Hugo with "Les Misérables" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame".

Final Answer:
The classic French novel "Les Misérables" was written by Victor Hugo.