The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
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The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is a French Gothic novel by Victor Hugo, published in 1831. The title refers to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which features prominently throughout the novel. It focuses on the
1st edition cover
Illustration from Victor Hugo et son temps (1881)
Lon Chaney and Patsy Ruth Miller in the 1923 film adaptation
Esmeralda, born Agnès, is a fictional character in Victor Hugo's 1831 novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. She is a French Roma girl. She constantly attracts men with her seductive dances, and is rarely
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
…the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which features prominently throughout the novel. It focuses on the unfortunate story of Quasimodo, the Romani street dancer Esmeralda, and Quasimodo's guardian the Archdeacon Claude Frollo in 15th-century Paris. All its elements—the Renaissance setting, impossible love affairs and…
Esmeralda gives water to Quasimodo tied to the pillory. A Tear for a Drop of Water by Luc-Olivier Merson (1903).
Holding her daughter Agnès in her arms, Paquette visits the Gypsies to have her fortune told. Drawing by Luc-Olivier Merson (c. 1889).
Esmeralda saves Pierre Gringoire's life by choosing him as her husband. Drawing by Louis Boulanger (c. 1831).
Claude Frollo stabs Captain Phoebus. Oil painting by Auguste Couder (1833).