Notre-Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo. Summary of the book.

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Notre-Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo

Notre-Dame de Paris is a novel by French author Victor Hugo, published in 1831. The novel follows the story of a deformed hunchback named Quasimodo, and his beloved Esmeralda, a beautiful gypsy girl. Hugo’s work depicts the stark contrast between the beauty of Notre-Dame, the majestic cathedral in Paris, and the tragedy of the characters who live in its shadows. The novel has served as inspiration for many adaptations, including films, operas and ballets.

Summary of the Book

The novel opens with Quasimodo, the bell-ringer of Notre-Dame, being sentenced to serve in the gallows. His crime is that he tried to kidnap Esmeralda, a beautiful gypsy girl whom he loves. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure named Claude Frollo seeks to possess Esmeralda for himself. Esmeralda is later arrested for supposedly killing a man, and Quasimodo saves her from punishment by claiming all charges against her are false. The two eventually escape from Paris together, but are eventually captured and returned to the city.

Upon their return to Paris, Esmeralda is sentenced to death for the crime she was accused of. Quasimodo attempts to rescue her, but is thwarted by Frollo. Frollo confesses his love for Esmeralda, but she rejects him and he eventually pushes her off a balcony. Quasimodo rescues Esmeralda and carries her to the cathedral, where he finds her dead. Frollo is then taken away by the authorities, and Quasimodo is left alone in the cathedral.

Main Teachings

Notre-Dame de Paris teaches several lessons about the nature of beauty, love and morality. Hugo’s novel portrays beauty as something that is subjective, relative and constantly changing. He also explores the idea of love as a powerful force that can drive people to extreme lengths. Finally, Hugo argues that morality is ultimately a personal choice, and that one’s actions should be based on their own conscience and not on external forces.

Interesting Facts

  • Notre-Dame de Paris was originally published in two parts, in 1831 and 1832.
  • The novel has been adapted into numerous films, operas and ballets.
  • Victor Hugo wrote the novel while living in exile in Brussels.
  • The novel is set in Paris during the reign of Louis XI.
  • The novel was a huge success at the time of its publication.

FAQs

Q: Who wrote Notre-Dame de Paris?

A: Notre-Dame de Paris was written by the French author Victor Hugo.

Q: What is the main plot of the novel?

A: The main plot of the novel follows the story of a deformed hunchback named Quasimodo, and his beloved Esmeralda, a beautiful gypsy girl. The novel also depicts the contrast between the beauty of Notre-Dame and the tragedy of the characters who live in its shadows.

Q: When was the novel published?

A: Notre-Dame de Paris was originally published in two parts, in 1831 and 1832.

Q: What lessons does the novel teach?

A: The novel teaches several lessons about the nature of beauty, love and morality. Hugo’s novel portrays beauty as something that is subjective, relative and constantly changing. He also explores the idea of love as a powerful force that can drive people to extreme lengths. Finally, Hugo argues that morality is ultimately a personal choice, and that one’s actions should be based on their own conscience and not on external forces.

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