This extraordinary historical French gothic novel, set in Medieval Paris under the twin towers of its greatest structure and supreme symbol, the cathedral of Notre-Dame, is the haunting drama of Quasimodo, the disabled bell-ringer of Notre-Dame, as he struggles to stand up to his ableist guardian Claude Frollo, who also wants to commit genocide against Paris' Romani population.
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (original title: Notre-Dame de Paris) is a classic novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1831. Set in 15th-century Paris, the story revolves around the tragic lives of several characters connected to the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, particularly the deformed bell-ringer Quasimodo and the beautiful gypsy girl Esmeralda.
The novel explores themes of beauty, justice, and compassion, offering a deep reflection on society’s treatment of the marginalized. At its core, it’s about the contrast between appearances and reality. Quasimodo, who is physically grotesque but possesses a kind heart, contrasts with the outwardly respectable yet corrupt characters around him, especially Claude Frollo, the archdeacon, whose obsession with Esmeralda drives much of the story’s tragedy.
Notre-Dame Cathedral is a central character in the novel, with Hugo using its detailed descriptions to highlight its symbolic importance. The book is also considered a romantic ode to the Gothic architecture of Paris, which Hugo sought to preserve as it was being threatened by modernization during his time.
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