Nantangalan, Puzorrubio, Pangsinan

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME

A BOOK REVIEW
Presented to

Ms. Christelle Paulyne E. Oviedo

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements For the Subject

Reading and Writing, EAPP

REGGIE KYDER E. RAMOS

11 – Newton
Second Semester

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I. Title/ Book Cover Analysis

“ THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME”

"The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" encompasses the central themes, symbols, and setting of
Victor Hugo's novel. It captures the duality of the story, the societal treatment of outcasts,
and the atmospheric beauty of medieval Paris, enticing readers into a world of human
struggles and triumphs.
"The Hunchback of Notre-Dame," originally published in French as "Notre-Dame de
Paris" (Our Lady of Paris), is a renowned novel by Victor Hugo. First released in 1831, the
novel gained significant popularity due to its vivid depiction of medieval Paris and its
captivating characters. The title itself, "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame," holds symbolic
and thematic significance, reflecting key elements of the story.

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II. Author’s Background

 VICTOR HUGO (1802 – 1885)

- was a renowned French writer and poet who played a significant role in the Romantic
literary movement. He was born on February 26, 1802, in Besançon, France, into a
middle-class family. His father was an officer in Napoleon's army, and his mother
was a royalist. Hugo's early life was marked by frequent relocations due to his father's
military career. At a young age, Hugo displayed an exceptional talent for writing and
poetry. He won a poetry contest at the age of fifteen, which caught the attention of
influential figures in the literary world. In 1822, his first poetry collection, "Odes et
poésies diverses" (Odes and Various Poems), was published, gaining him recognition
as a promising poet Hugo's literary career flourished with the publication of his novel
"Notre-Dame de Paris" (known as "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" in English) in
1831. The novel achieved immense success and established Hugo as a leading figure
in French literature. His works often delved into social and political issues,
advocating for social justice, equality, and the rights of the marginalized.
III. Characterizations

a. PROTAGONIST
 Quasimodo
- Quasimodo is a deformed hunchback who serves as the bell-ringer of the Notre-
Dame Cathedral in Paris. Despite his physical appearance, Quasimodo possesses
a kind and gentle heart. Quasimodo's isolation and mistreatment due to his
deformity make him an outcast in society. However, he finds solace and
companionship in the cathedral and its bells, which become his refuge.
Quasimodo's loyalty to the cathedral is unwavering, and he develops a deep
emotional attachment to Notre-Dame.

b. ANTAGONIST
 Claude Frollo
- Claude Frollo is the archdeacon of Notre-Dame Cathedral and holds a position of
authority and influence. Frollo initially appears as a respected and educated figure,
but his character gradually reveals a dark and conflicted nature. He becomes
consumed by his forbidden lust for

c. ROUND
 Pierre Gringoire
- Gringoire is a struggling poet and playwright who becomes entangled in the
events of the novel. Initially depicted as a somewhat hapless and naive character,

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he undergoes growth and self-discovery as he faces various challenges and finds

himself drawn into the lives of the other characters.
d. FLAT
 Jehan Frollo
- ehan is Claude Frollo's younger brother. He is portrayed as a reckless and
pleasure-seeking character who indulges in vices. Jehan's personality and actions
remain consistent throughout the story, and he serves as a contrasting figure to his
brother, Claude.
 Phoebus de Châteaupers
- Phoebus is a captain of the King's Archers and a romantic interest of Esmeralda.
He is depicted as charming but also self-centered and morally weak. Phoebus'
character does not undergo significant growth or transformation, and his role
primarily revolves around his interactions with other characters.
 Sister Gudule (Paquette la Chantefleurie)
- Sister Gudule is an old recluse who is revealed to be Esmeralda's long-lost
mother. She harbors deep bitterness and resentment towards society due to the
loss of her child. While she has a tragic backstory, her character remains
relatively one-dimensional, driven by her grief and desire for revenge.

IV. Setting
a. PLACE
 primarily set in Paris, France, during the late 15th century. The central location in the
story is the Notre-Dame Cathedral, an iconic landmark that holds great significance both
architecturally and symbolically.
b. TIME
 primarily set in the late 15th century

V. Brief Summary

"The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" by Victor Hugo is a complex and emotionally charged

novel set in 15th-century Paris. The story revolves around the intertwined lives of several
characters against the backdrop of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The protagonist is Quasimodo, a
deformed hunchback who serves as the bell-ringer of Notre-Dame. Quasimodo's isolated life
changes when he falls in love with the beautiful gypsy dancer, Esmeralda. However, Esmeralda
captures the attention of other men, including Claude Frollo, the archdeacon of

Notre-Dame, and Captain Phoebus, a soldier. Frollo, consumed by his lust for Esmeralda,
becomes obsessed and resorts to manipulation and cruelty to possess her. Meanwhile,
Quasimodo, driven by his love for Esmeralda, acts as her protector. As tensions rise, Esmeralda is
falsely accused of a crime and faces persecution. The narrative explores themes of love, beauty,
social injustice, and the conflict between appearances and true character. It delves into the stark
contrasts between the hunchback's pure heart and the corruption and hypocrisy of the societal
elite.
Tragedy unfolds as Esmeralda's trial takes place, and Quasimodo's attempts to save her are
thwarted. The story reaches its climax with Esmeralda's unjust execution and the culmination of

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Frollo's obsession. The novel concludes with reflections on the transient nature of human life and
the enduring power of love and compassion
"The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" is a profound exploration of human nature, societal
prejudices, and the complexities of love. Through vivid descriptions and intricate character
portrayals, Victor Hugo creates a poignant and enduring tale that challenges readers to reflect on
themes that resonate beyond its historical setting.
VI. Plot Analysis
a. EXPOSITION
- takes place in 15th-century Paris, primarily focusing on the Notre-Dame
Cathedral. The grandeur and significance of the cathedral are described,
highlighting its Gothic architecture and central role in the lives of the characters.
The streets, squares, and neighborhoods of medieval Paris are also introduced,
setting the stage for the unfolding events.
b. Rising Action
- Claude Frollo's obsession: Frollo's lust for Esmeralda intensifies, leading him
down a dark path. He becomes consumed by his desire and resorts to
manipulation and cruelty to possess her. Frollo's conflict with

his own moral conscience deepens as his obsession drives him to commit heinous
acts.
c. Climax
- After being falsely accused of a crime, Esmeralda is brought to the gallows to be
executed. Quasimodo, who has been devoted to her throughout the story, manages
to reach the execution site and intervenes to save her. He carries her to the
cathedral and claims sanctuary, defying the authorities and the crowd.

d. Falling Action
- Quasimodo's grief and isolation: Following Esmeralda's execution, Quasimodo is
devastated by the loss of the woman he loved. He retreats further into his isolation
within the cathedral, nursing his grief and reflecting on the events that transpired.
The falling action delves into his emotional journey and the impact of Esmeralda's
death on him.
e. Denouement/ Ending
- Quasimodo's ultimate fate. Overwhelmed by grief and despair after Esmeralda's
death, he chooses to remain by her side in the cathedral. Years later, when the
crypt is opened, their bodies are found entwined, symbolizing their eternal bond
and Quasimodo's unwavering devotion.
VII. Theme, Conflict, and Point of View

 Theme
- Love and sacrifice are significant themes in the story. Quasimodo's love for
Esmeralda is a powerful force that drives his actions and leads to acts of
selflessness and sacrifice. The novel explores different forms of love, including

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romantic love, unrequited love, and the love between friends. It highlights the
transformative power of love and the willingness to sacrifice for the well-being of
others.
 Conflict
- Throughout the story, there are instances in which conflicts are encountered
between Man vs. Society, Man vs. Self, Man vs. Man, Man vs. Nature These
conflicts shape Quasimodo's character, drive his actions, and propel his personal
journey throughout the novel.
 Point of View
- The point of view of this novel narrated from a third-person. The narration is
focused on the experiences and perceptions of the characters, primarily
Quasimodo, Esmeralda, and Claude Frollo, while

still maintaining an objective distance from their thoughts and emotions.

VIII. Overall Review/ Remarks of the Book

“The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” is a story set in 15th century France with a quirky and
contrasting approach. The novel exposes the hypocrisy of religion, declares the bankruptcy of
asceticism, praises kindness, love and self-sacrifice of the lower working people, and reflects
Hugo’s humanitarian thoughts. “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” is a tragedy in which the good
innocent people were tortured and persecuted under the autocratic system. The heroine

Esmeralda is a kind and pure young girl innocent people were tortured and persecuted under
the autocratic system. The heroine Esmeralda is a kind and pure young girl.

When the peddler poet, Granger, strayed late at night into a gathering place for
vagabonds and beggars in Paris, and was about to be killed, she came forward and offered to
marry him, taking him under her protection, though she did not love him. When Quasimodo was
whipped in the blazing sun and cried out in pain of thirst, she was the only one who
sympathized with the hideous bell-ringer who had hijacked her in the middle of the night. She
thought the world was as pure as her, and she died in passionate love with the heartless
Phoebus. She was steadfast in character, willing to die before Claude’s insolence. She was the
darling of the vagabonds and beggars of Paris, but self-supporting and undefiled.

Hugo put such a bright image in the dark background of the Middle Ages, describing how
the society ruled by despotism and rampant with the power of the church threatened her and
persecuted her like a huge net, strangling her by horrible means. The religious fanaticism of
Bohemian maidens, the vicious plots of church figures to satisfy their vile and animal desires,
the brutality of the despotic state regime… all of these are described by Hugo in a romantic way
as terrible as a nightmare.

Through this description, the author shows the darkness of the feudal autocratic society
and highlights an anti-feudal theme of the work. Whether it’s Crowder or Quasimodo, they’re
people of society at the end of the day. The division and conflict in their hearts reflected the
division and conflict between theocracy and human rights, ignorance and knowledge seeking in

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their time, between the huge and heavy dark system and the struggling of vulnerable
individuals, which finally led to the tragic end of all the characters.The literary value and social
significance of “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” have a far-reaching influence. This novel,
breaking the shackles of classicism, is a milestone in romantic works. Since its release, the novel
has been adapted into numerous films, cartoons and plays.

I really love this novel I enjoy reading It and this book is highly recommended to those others
want to read books or some novels.

IX. Favorite Part of the Story

My favorite part of the story was when Quasimodo falls victim to the cruel soldiers and
townsfolk at the Feast of Fools Festival, Esmeralda is the one who steps up and tries to protect
Quasimodo from the public mockery. When Judge Frollo demands that she stop, Esmeralda
refuses, and frees Quasimodo from his restraints, demanding justice from Frollo for his mistreat
of Quasimodo as well as the Romani people. When he continues to threaten her, Esmeralda
declares that Frollo is the festival fool and uses magic trick illusions to escape being arrested on
his orders. The scene shows Esmeralda as a strong and independent character, as she is the only
one brave enough to openly defy Frollo and stand up for what's right.