The Bishop’s Candlesticks
The Bishop's Candlesticks is a one-act play by Norman
McKinnel, adapted from a chapter in Victor Hugo's novel Les Misérables. It
tells a poignant story of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power
of kindness. Here's a breakdown of its plot and structure:
Summary
“The Bishop’s Candlesticks” is a one-act play by Norman
McKinnel, adapted from a scene in Victor Hugo’s novel Les Misérables. The play
centers on a compassionate Bishop and his encounter with an escaped convict
named Jean Valjean.
The play is set In the Bishop’s kitchen on a cold winter
night. The Bishop, a kind and generous man, offers shelter and food to Valjean,
who is desperate and hardened by his harsh experiences in prison. Despite the
Bishop’s kindness, Valjean steals the Bishop’s silver candlesticks. When the
police capture Valjean, the Bishop surprisingly claims that he had gifted the
candlesticks to Valjean. This act of forgiveness profoundly impacts Valjean,
leading to his moral redemption and transformation.
The play is set in a small French village in 1815. The
Bishop of Digne, a kind and generous man, lives in a modest dwelling next to
the local prison. His sister, Persome, is more practical and sometimes resents
his generosity.
The play opens with Persome lamenting the Bishop's habit of
giving away their possessions to the poor. Their last valuable items are a pair
of silver candlesticks, which Persome insists the Bishop should keep.
A convict, Jean Valjean, who has been imprisoned for
nineteen years for stealing bread, arrives at the Bishop's door seeking shelter
for the night. Initially hesitant, the Bishop, guided by his Christian
principles, welcomes the convict and offers him food and a bed.
During the night, Valjean, hardened by years of mistreatment
in prison, steals the Bishop's silver candlesticks and flees.
The next morning, the police arrive with Valjean, whom they
have apprehended with the candlesticks. They are about to take him back to
prison when the Bishop intervenes. To the astonishment of the police and
Valjean, the Bishop claims he gave the candlesticks to Valjean as a gift and
scolds Valjean for forgetting the other silver candlesticks he had supposedly
given him.
The police, confused but respecting the Bishop's authority,
leave. The Bishop then takes the two other silver candlesticks and gives them
to a bewildered Valjean, urging him to use the money to become an honest man.
He tells Valjean that he has bought his soul for God and that Valjean now
belongs to God.
Valjean, deeply moved and shaken by this unexpected act of
grace, is left to contemplate the Bishop's words and the possibility of a new
life. The play ends with Valjean's internal struggle and a sense of hope for
his future.
Structure:
* One-Act Play: The
play is concise and unfolds in a single continuous scene, maintaining dramatic
tension and focus on the central conflict and transformation.
* Exposition: The
opening establishes the setting, introduces the main characters (the Bishop and
Persome), and hints at the Bishop's character and the family's financial
situation. The arrival of Valjean introduces the central conflict.
* Rising Action: The
tension builds as Valjean's suspicion and desperation are evident. The Bishop's
unwavering kindness despite Valjean's gruffness sets the stage for the pivotal
moment. Valjean's theft of the candlesticks escalates the conflict.
* Climax: The arrival
of the police with Valjean and the Bishop's unexpected lie form the climax of
the play. This is the turning point where the Bishop's extraordinary act of
forgiveness takes place.
* Falling Action: The
police depart, and the Bishop gives Valjean the remaining candlesticks,
reinforcing his message of redemption and offering Valjean a path to a new
life.
* Resolution
(Open-ended): The play concludes with Valjean's internal struggle and the
powerful impact of the Bishop's actions. While Valjean's future is not
explicitly shown, the audience is left with a sense of hope and the
understanding that the Bishop's kindness has profoundly affected him.
Key Structural Elements and Their Impact:
* Unity of Time and
Place: The single setting and the action unfolding in a relatively short period
contribute to the play's intensity and focus.
* Limited Characters:
The small cast allows for a concentrated exploration of the dynamic between the
Bishop and Valjean.
* Dialogue-Driven:
The play relies heavily on dialogue to reveal character, advance the plot, and
explore the themes of justice, mercy, and redemption.
* Symbolism: The
silver candlesticks are a central symbol, representing both material value and
the Bishop's spiritual wealth and generosity. Their transformation from stolen
goods to a gift signifies the potential for Valjean's transformation.
* Dramatic Irony: The
audience knows Valjean has stolen the candlesticks, creating dramatic irony
when the Bishop claims he gave them as a gift. This heightens the emotional
impact of the Bishop's actions.
In essence, the structure of The Bishop's Candlesticks is
tightly woven to deliver a powerful and moving story about the transformative
power of compassion and the potential for redemption, even in the most hardened
of individuals. The single act format and focused character interaction amplify
the impact of the central moral message.
Key Characters
* The Bishop: A
selfless and compassionate man who embodies Christian values and extends kindness
to everyone, regardless of their background.
* Jean Valjean (The
Convict): A hardened ex-convict, initially filled with bitterness and
resentment due to his unjust imprisonment and harsh treatment.
* Persome: The
Bishop’s sister, who is more practical and concerned about their financial
situation, contrasting with the Bishop’s generosity.
* Marie: The Bishop’s
servant.
* Sergeant and
Soldiers: The police officers who apprehend Valjean.
1.
The Bishop’s Cottage – The main setting of the
play, where the Bishop lives with his sister Persome. It is a simple yet warm
home, reflecting the Bishop’s humble and charitable nature.
2.
The Kitchen – Where Persome and the maid talk
about the Bishop’s generosity.
3.
The Dining Room – Where the Bishop offers food
to the convict and where the candlesticks are placed.
4.
The Bishop’s Bedroom – Where the Bishop rests,
and from where the convict steals the silver candlesticks at night.
5.
The Prison – Mentioned in the convict’s
backstory; he was imprisoned for stealing food and suffered greatly there.
6.
The Police Station – Where the convict is taken
after being caught with the stolen candlesticks.
7.
The Church – Indirectly mentioned as part of the
Bishop’s religious duties and his belief in kindness and charity.
These places help shape the narrative by emphasizing the
contrast between the warmth and kindness of the Bishop’s home and the harshness
of the outside world that the convict has endured.
Themes
* Forgiveness: The
play emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness and its ability to
inspire change in even the most hardened individuals.
* Redemption: It
showcases the possibility of redemption and second chances, highlighting that
people can change their ways when shown compassion.
* Compassion and
Kindness: The play underscores the importance of empathy and kindness in
breaking down barriers and fostering positive change in others.
* Justice vs. Mercy:
It explores the conflict between strict adherence to the law and the
application of mercy and understanding.
* The Nature of Good
and Evil: The play suggests that external factors and treatment can
significantly influence an individual’s character and that inherent goodness
can be awakened through compassion.
Paraphrased
The play The Bishop’s Candlesticks by Norman McKinnell is a
touching story about kindness, forgiveness, and redemption. It is inspired by
an episode from Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables and revolves around a
compassionate Bishop and a hardened convict.
The Bishop’s Generosity
The story takes place in the Bishop’s cottage, where he
lives with his sister, Persome. The Bishop is known for his extreme generosity,
often giving away his belongings to help those in need. Persome, however, is
worried about how much he sacrifices for others, believing that people take
advantage of his kindness.
One evening, a ragged and exhausted man arrives at the
cottage. He is an escaped convict who has suffered greatly in prison. The
Bishop welcomes him without hesitation, offering him food, warmth, and shelter
despite the convict’s rough and suspicious nature.
The Convict’s Story and the Theft
As they talk, the convict shares his tragic past. Years ago,
he was sentenced to ten years in prison for stealing food to feed his starving
wife. Instead of receiving compassion, he was treated cruelly, making him
bitter and distrustful of the world.
Although the Bishop treats him with kindness, the convict
remains skeptical. He notices a pair of silver candlesticks on the table—one of
the Bishop’s most valued possessions, given to him by his mother. Desperate and
believing that money is the only way to survive, he steals the candlesticks and
runs away in the middle of the night.
The Bishop’s Act of Mercy
The next morning, the police arrest the convict and bring
him back to the Bishop’s house. They catch him with the stolen candlesticks and
assume he is a thief. However, the Bishop surprises everyone by telling the
police that he had given the candlesticks to the convict as a gift. The police,
respecting the Bishop’s word, release the convict.
The convict is deeply moved by this unexpected act of mercy.
For the first time in years, he experiences true kindness. Before leaving, the
Bishop hands him the candlesticks and encourages him to start a new life as an
honest man. The convict, transformed by this generosity, walks away with
renewed faith in humanity.
Complete Summary of The Bishop's Candlesticks
The Bishop’s Candlesticks is a one-act play by Norman
McKinnell, inspired by a small episode from Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. It
explores themes of compassion, forgiveness, redemption, and the transformative
power of kindness. The play is set in the Bishop’s house, where his
selflessness and charity contrast with society’s harsh treatment of a desperate
convict.
Plot Summary
Setting and Characters
The play is set in the Bishop’s cottage in a small town in
France. The main characters include:
The Bishop – A kind-hearted, selfless man who believes in
love, charity, and forgiveness.
Persome – The Bishop’s sister, who is more practical and
worried about her brother’s extreme generosity.
The Convict – An escaped prisoner who has suffered cruelty
and has become bitter toward society.
The Sergeant – A police officer who arrests the convict for
stealing the candlesticks.
Act I: The Bishop’s Generosity
The play opens with Persome and a maid talking about the
Bishop. Persome complains that her brother gives away everything to help the
poor, even selling their belongings. She feels that people take advantage of
his kindness. However, the Bishop remains dedicated to his belief in helping
the needy.
One evening, a ragged and desperate man enters the house. He
is an escaped convict who has been on the run for several years. He is hungry,
cold, and exhausted. The Bishop welcomes him warmly, offering him food and
shelter. Despite the Bishop’s kindness, the convict is suspicious and
aggressive, believing that no one in the world is truly kind.
Act II: The Theft of the Candlesticks
As the two talk, the convict tells the Bishop about his
past. Years ago, he stole food for his starving wife and was caught. Instead of
receiving sympathy, he was sentenced to ten years in prison. The brutal
treatment in prison made him bitter and hateful, and he eventually escaped.
Despite hearing this, the Bishop treats him with kindness.
However, the convict, hardened by suffering, remains distrustful. He notices
the silver candlesticks on the table—a cherished gift from the Bishop’s mother.
Tempted by their value, he waits for the Bishop to fall asleep, then steals the
candlesticks and flees into the night.
Act III: The Bishop’s Forgiveness
The next morning, the police arrest the convict and bring
him back to the Bishop’s house. They found him with the stolen candlesticks and
assume he is a thief. However, to everyone’s shock, the Bishop tells the police
that he had gifted the candlesticks to the convict.
The police, confused but respectful of the Bishop, release
the convict. The convict is stunned and overwhelmed—for the first time, someone
has shown him genuine mercy.
Before leaving, the Bishop gives him the candlesticks and
tells him to use them to start a new, honest life. The convict, once full of
hate, is now transformed by the Bishop’s compassion. He thanks the Bishop and
walks away, a changed man.
Themes
1. Compassion and Forgiveness – The Bishop’s kindness
contrasts with society’s harsh treatment of the convict, showing the power of
mercy in changing lives.
2. Redemption and Transformation – The convict, who had lost
faith in humanity, regains hope because of the Bishop’s selflessness.
3. Materialism vs. Humanity – While the candlesticks are
valuable, the Bishop values human goodness more than material wealth.
4. Religious and Moral Lessons – The play highlights
Christian values of charity, self-sacrifice, and believing in the good in
others.
Conclusion
The Bishop’s Candlesticks is a heartwarming play that
demonstrates how love and forgiveness can change even the most hardened souls.
The Bishop’s mercy gives the convict a second chance at life, proving that
kindness is more powerful than punishment.
Important places
1. The Bishop’s Cottage – The main setting of the play,
where the Bishop lives with his sister Persome. It is a simple yet warm home,
reflecting the Bishop’s humble and charitable nature.
2. The Kitchen – Where Persome and the maid talk about the
Bishop’s generosity.
3. The Dining Room – Where the Bishop offers food to the
convict and where the candlesticks are placed.
4. The Bishop’s Bedroom – Where the Bishop rests, and from
where the convict steals the silver candlesticks at night.
5. The Prison – Mentioned in the convict’s backstory; he was
imprisoned for stealing food and suffered greatly there.
6. The Police Station – Where the convict is taken after
being caught with the stolen candlesticks.
7. The Church – Indirectly mentioned as part of the Bishop’s
religious duties and his belief in kindness and charity.
These places help shape the narrative by emphasizing the
contrast between the warmth and kindness of the Bishop’s home and the harshness
of the outside world that the convict has endured.
Paraphrase
The play The Bishop’s Candlesticks by Norman McKinnell is a
touching story about kindness, forgiveness, and redemption. It is inspired by
an episode from Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables and revolves around a
compassionate Bishop and a hardened convict.
The Bishop’s Generosity
The story takes place in the Bishop’s cottage, where he
lives with his sister, Persome. The Bishop is known for his extreme generosity,
often giving away his belongings to help those in need. Persome, however, is
worried about how much he sacrifices for others, believing that people take
advantage of his kindness.
One evening, a ragged and exhausted man arrives at the
cottage. He is an escaped convict who has suffered greatly in prison. The
Bishop welcomes him without hesitation, offering him food, warmth, and shelter
despite the convict’s rough and suspicious nature.
The Convict’s Story and the Theft
As they talk, the convict shares his tragic past. Years ago,
he was sentenced to ten years in prison for stealing food to feed his starving
wife. Instead of receiving compassion, he was treated cruelly, making him
bitter and distrustful of the world.
Although the Bishop treats him with kindness, the convict
remains skeptical. He notices a pair of silver candlesticks on the table—one of
the Bishop’s most valued possessions, given to him by his mother. Desperate and
believing that money is the only way to survive, he steals the candlesticks and
runs away in the middle of the night.
The Bishop’s Act of Mercy
The next morning, the police arrest the convict and bring
him back to the Bishop’s house. They catch him with the stolen candlesticks and
assume he is a thief. However, the Bishop surprises everyone by telling the
police that he had given the candlesticks to the convict as a gift. The police,
respecting the Bishop’s word, release the convict.
The convict is deeply moved by this unexpected act of mercy.
For the first time in years, he experiences true kindness. Before leaving, the
Bishop hands him the candlesticks and encourages him to start a new life as an
honest man. The convict, transformed by this generosity, walks away with
renewed faith in humanity.
Themes and Message
The play highlights the power of kindness and forgiveness in
changing lives. The Bishop’s unwavering compassion helps a bitter and broken
man find hope again. The story teaches that love and understanding can heal
even the most hardened hearts, making it a timeless lesson about the importance
of humanity.
Important Questions
1. Short Answer Questions:
1. Who is the author of The Bishop’s Candlesticks?
The play is written by Norman McKinnell.
2. Where does the play take place?
The play is set in the Bishop’s cottage, which is a simple
home in a small town in France.
3. Why is Persome worried about the Bishop’s generosity?
Persome believes that people take advantage of the Bishop’s
kindness. She worries that he gives away too much, even selling household items
to help others.
4. Who is the convict, and why is he on the run?
The convict is an escaped prisoner who was jailed for
stealing food to feed his starving wife. He suffered greatly in prison and
became bitter.
5. What crime did the convict commit, and why?
The convict stole a loaf of bread because his wife was
starving. Instead of receiving compassion, he was sentenced to ten years in
prison.
6. How does the Bishop treat the convict upon his arrival?
The Bishop welcomes him warmly, offers him food, warmth, and
shelter, and speaks kindly to him despite the convict’s rough behavior.
7. Why does the convict steal the Bishop’s candlesticks?
The convict sees the silver candlesticks as valuable and
believes selling them will help him survive. He does not yet trust kindness.
8. How does the Bishop respond when the police bring the
convict back?
The Bishop lies to the police, saying he had gifted the
candlesticks to the convict, saving him from being arrested again.
9. What lesson does the Bishop try to teach the convict?
The Bishop wants the convict to realize that kindness and
forgiveness can change a person and urges him to live an honest life.
10. How does the convict change by the end of the play?
The convict is deeply moved by the Bishop’s mercy. He
decides to change his ways and live a new life, carrying the candlesticks as a
reminder of the Bishop’s kindness.
2. Long Answer Questions:
1. Discuss the character of the Bishop. How does his
kindness influence the convict’s transformation?
The Bishop is a selfless and compassionate man who believes
in love and forgiveness. Despite the convict’s aggression and theft, he treats
him with kindness and dignity. His act of mercy—telling the police that he had
gifted the candlesticks—shocks the convict, making him realize that there is
goodness in the world. This experience transforms the convict, inspiring him to
leave behind his bitterness and seek an honest life.
2. Why is Persome skeptical about the Bishop’s generosity?
Do you think she is right in her concerns?
Persome believes that people exploit the Bishop’s kindness,
and she is frustrated that he sells his own belongings to help others. While
her concerns are understandable—since they live a simple life and need basic
comforts—she does not fully understand the depth of the Bishop’s compassion.
However, in the end, the Bishop’s selflessness changes a man’s life, proving
that his kindness was not in vain.
3. Describe the convict’s experiences in prison. How did his
suffering shape his personality?
The convict was sentenced to ten years of hard labor for
stealing food for his starving wife. Instead of receiving mercy, he was treated
cruelly. His years in prison turned him bitter, violent, and distrustful. He
came to believe that the world was heartless and that survival meant taking
what one needed. His suffering made him feel like an outcast, unable to trust
kindness—until he met the Bishop.
4. How does the play highlight the theme of forgiveness and
redemption?
The Bishop’s forgiveness of the convict, despite being
robbed, shows that mercy can change a person. Instead of seeking punishment, he
offers a second chance, which leads to the convict’s redemption. This
highlights the idea that people are not inherently bad, but circumstances make
them so, and forgiveness can lead them back to goodness.
5. Explain the symbolism of the silver candlesticks in the
play. Why are they important?
The candlesticks symbolize love, faith, and transformation.
They were a gift from the Bishop’s mother, representing warmth and guidance.
When the convict steals them, they symbolize material greed and desperation,
but when the Bishop gives them to him freely, they become a symbol of hope and
redemption.
6. Compare and contrast the characters of the Bishop and the
convict.
The Bishop is kind, selfless, and forgiving, believing in
the goodness of people. He has a deep faith in humanity and follows Christian
values. The convict, on the other hand, is hardened by suffering, distrustful,
and bitter due to society’s cruelty. However, by the end of the play, the
convict begins to resemble the Bishop—learning to trust in kindness.
7. How does the play reflect Christian values of charity,
love, and forgiveness?
The Bishop’s actions reflect Christian teachings of kindness
and mercy. He embodies love for the poor, forgiveness for sinners, and faith in
redemption. By forgiving the convict and guiding him toward a new life, he acts
in the spirit of Jesus Christ’s teachings on compassion and second chances.
8. If the Bishop had not forgiven the convict, what do you
think would have happened?
If the Bishop had told the truth to the police, the convict
would have been sent back to prison, becoming even more bitter and hopeless. He
might have lost his last chance at redemption. The Bishop’s forgiveness gives
him hope, proving that kindness can change lives.
9. Do you agree with the Bishop’s belief that kindness can
reform even the worst individuals? Why or why not?
Yes, because people are often shaped by their circumstances.
The convict was not a criminal by choice—his situation forced him into crime.
The Bishop’s kindness shows that even those who seem irredeemable can change
when treated with love and understanding.
The play teaches that forgiveness and compassion can
transform lives. Even in today’s world, where people face hardship and
injustice, acts of kindness and second chances can help change the course of a
person’s life. The play reminds us that humanity should come before judgment.
