The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
Mar 2020 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
608
Pages
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About this ebook
The story begins on the day of the Feast of Fools in Paris, France. Quasimodo, a deformed hunchback who is the bell-ringer of Notre-Dame, is introduced by his crowning as the Pope of Fools. Esmeralda, a beautiful Gypsy street dancer with a kind and generous heart, captures the hearts of many men, including those of Captain Phoebus and Pierre Gringoire, a poor street poet, but especially those of Quasimodo and his adoptive father, Claude Frollo, the Archdeacon of Notre Dame. Frollo is torn between his obsessive lust and the rules of the church. He orders Quasimodo to kidnap her, but the hunchback is captured by Phoebus and his guards, who save Esmeralda. Gringoire, witnessing all this, accidentally trespasses into the Court of Miracles, home of the Truands (criminals of Paris). He was about to be hanged under the orders of Clopin Trouillefou, the King of Truands, until Esmeralda saved his life by marrying him. The following day, Quasimodo is sentenced to be flogged and turned on the pillory for one hour, followed by another hour's public exposure. He calls for water. Esmeralda, seeing his thirst, offers him a drink. It saves him, and she captures his heart... (Excerpt from Wikipedia)
About the author
Victor Hugo, born on February 26, 1802, in Besançon, France, stands as a towering figure in French literature and a pivotal voice in the Romantic movement. His life was a tapestry of literary brilliance, political activism, and social reform, making him a fascinating subject for modern readers.Hugo's early years were marked by the tumult of the Napoleonic era, which profoundly influenced his worldview. His father was a general in Napoleon's army, and this exposure to the complexities of power and revolution would later permeate his work. By his twenties, Hugo had already established himself as a leading poet and playwright, but it was his novels that cemented his legacy.A fervent advocate for social justice, Hugo used his literary prowess to champion the downtrodden and criticize the injustices of his time. His works often explored themes of poverty, social inequality, and the human condition, resonating deeply with readers across generations. Hugo's political engagement was not limited to his writing; he was an active participant in the political arena, serving as a deputy in the French National Assembly and later going into exile for his opposition to Napoleon III's regime.Hugo's personal life was as dramatic as his novels. His passionate love affairs, particularly with the actress Juliette Drouet, and his strained relationship with his wife, Adèle Foucher, added layers of intrigue to his public persona. Controversies, such as his outspoken support for the abolition of the death penalty and his criticism of the Catholic Church, further solidified his reputation as a revolutionary thinker.His influence extended beyond literature, inspiring contemporary writers and artists to challenge societal norms and embrace the power of the written word as a tool for change. Victor Hugo's enduring legacy lies not only in his literary masterpieces but also in his unwavering commitment to human rights and social progress, making him a timeless icon for modern readers.
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