The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

What It's About

Set in Paris in 1482, this is the story of Quasimodo, the deaf and deformed bell-ringer of Notre-Dame, and of Esmeralda, a beautiful young street dancer who captures the hearts of several men. Chief among them is Claude Frollo, the cathedral's archdeacon, whose obsession sets a tragic chain of events in motion. Alongside them are the poet Gringoire and the dashing but shallow Captain Phoebus. The cathedral is as much a character as any of the people, and the novel weaves its plot through crowded streets, courts of miracles and medieval law.

Key Concepts

Hugo explores fate, the cruelty of a justice system that judges by appearance and prejudice, and the way love can turn into possession. He also treats outcasts with striking sympathy: the people society rejects are often more humane than those who condemn them. Running through the book is Hugo's passion for Gothic architecture, which he saw as a great "book in stone" under threat from neglect and demolition. The novel helped spark public interest in preserving France's medieval buildings. Some readers find the long descriptive chapters on architecture and the city of Paris a slow detour, though they are central to what Hugo wanted to say. Modern readers may also find the portrayal of the Romani characters dated.

About the Author

Victor Hugo (1802–1885) was a French novelist, poet and dramatist, and a leading figure of the Romantic movement. He was also a committed political voice, and his opposition to Napoleon III led to nearly two decades in exile. He is regarded as one of the greatest writers in the French language.

About This Edition

This is an 1888 translation by Isabel Florence Hapgood.