The Hunchback is the Working Class
... overview of the Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo;
Hunchback of Notre Dame
The Hunchback of Notre Dame refers to both Victor Hugo's 1831 novel and the 1996 Disney animated film based on it. Hugo's novel, originally titled "Notre-Dame de Paris," is a Gothic and Romantic work set in Paris in 1482 The 1996 film, directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, is a musical comedy-drama that loosely adapts Hugo's novel, changing much of its substance to make it more family-friendly The film follows Quasimodo, a deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, who longs to explore the outside world and be accepted by society, in contrast to the cruel, puritanical Claude Frollo, who wants to exterminate the Roma population of Paris.
* Victor Hugo: Author of the original novel Notre-Dame de Paris, published on March 16, 1831
* The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996 film): Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, starring Tom Hulce as Quasimodo, Demi Moore as Esmeralda, and Tony Jay as Claude Frollo
The film was released on June 21, 1996, and has a running time of 91 minutes It was produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and distributed by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution The movie has a budget of $70 million and grossed $325.3 million at the box office.
... was Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame received as a political commentary on the revolutionary events of the period in which it was written;
Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame is deeply intertwined with the political and social upheavals of the 1830s in France. Published in 1831, the novel reflects the revolutionary spirit and the tensions of the time, particularly the July Revolution of 1830, which overthrew the Bourbon monarchy and established a constitutional monarchy under Louis-Philippe.
Political Commentary in The Hunchback of Notre Dame
1. Revolutionary Themes: Hugo was profoundly influenced by the political and social changes of his era. The novel explores themes of social inequality, justice, and the struggle of the marginalized, which were central to the revolutionary movements of the 1830s. The story of Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer, and Esmeralda, the Romani dancer, highlights the plight of the oppressed and the injustices of the feudal and ecclesiastical systems
2. Historical Context: The novel is set in 1482, a period that Hugo chose to draw parallels with his own time. The Feast of Fools, a medieval festival that temporarily inverted social hierarchies, is a key event in the novel. This festival, which allowed the lower classes to mock their superiors, serves as a metaphor for the revolutionary fervor that Hugo witnessed in his own time
3. Critique of Social Structures: Hugo's portrayal of the various social classes in 15th-century Paris, including the clergy, nobility, and common people, reflects his criticism of the rigid social hierarchies of his own era. The character of Claude Frollo, the archdeacon who lusts after Esmeralda, symbolizes the corruption and hypocrisy within the church and the ruling class
4. Revolutionary Overtones: The novel's depiction of the vagabonds' assault on Notre Dame Cathedral can be seen as a foreshadowing of the 1789 storming of the Bastille. This event, which Hugo's contemporary readers would have recognized, underscores the theme of the people rising against oppressive institutions
5. Preservation of Gothic Architecture: Hugo was also a strong advocate for the preservation of Gothic architecture, which was being neglected and destroyed in the name of progress. The novel's detailed descriptions of Notre Dame Cathedral serve to highlight the cultural and historical value of these structures, which were threatened by the rapid changes of the 19th century
The July Revolution of 1830
The July Revolution of 1830, which occurred just a year before the publication of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, had a significant impact on Hugo's work. The revolution, which overthrew the Bourbon monarchy and installed Louis-Philippe as the "Citizen King," was a pivotal moment in French history. Hugo, who supported the ideals of the French Revolution, saw the July Revolution as a continuation of the struggle for political liberty and democracy.
Hugo's Political Stance
Hugo's political views evolved over time, and he became increasingly leftist. He was an ardent supporter of the French Republic and a critic of the monarchy. His involvement in politics intensified after the 1848 revolution, when he was elected to the National Assembly. However, he was forced into exile in 1851 due to his opposition to the monarch Louis Napoléon. During his exile, he continued to write and critique the French government, further solidifying his reputation as a political and social reformer.
In summary, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is not only a literary masterpiece but also a political commentary on the revolutionary events of the 1830s. Hugo's novel reflects the social and political tensions of his time, advocating for the rights of the marginalized and the preservation of cultural heritage.
... the renewed interest in the architecture of the Gothic would seem incompatible with the struggle against Gothic political structures;
The apparent contradiction between the renewed interest in Gothic architecture and the struggle against Gothic political structures is a nuanced aspect of Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame and the broader cultural context of the 19th century. Here’s a closer look at how these two seemingly opposing trends coexist:
Gothic Architecture and Cultural Revival
1. Aesthetic and Cultural Revival
- Romanticism: The 19th century saw a significant Romantic movement, which celebrated the past, particularly the Middle Ages. Gothic architecture, with its grandeur and intricate details, became a symbol of this romanticized past. Hugo himself was a proponent of this movement and used his novel to advocate for the preservation of Gothic architecture, which was being neglected and sometimes destroyed in the name of modernization.
- Preservation: Hugo's detailed and loving descriptions of Notre Dame Cathedral in The Hunchback of Notre Dame played a significant role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving historical and architectural heritage. The novel helped to spark a broader interest in Gothic architecture and led to efforts to restore and protect historical buildings.
Political and Social Critique
2. Critique of Feudal and Ecclesiastical Power
- Social Inequality: Despite the romanticized view of Gothic architecture, Hugo's novel is a scathing critique of the social and political structures of the Middle Ages. The story of Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer, and Esmeralda, the Romani dancer, highlights the brutal and unjust treatment of the marginalized and the poor.
- Corruption and Hypocrisy: The character of Claude Frollo, the archdeacon, represents the corruption and hypocrisy within the church and the ruling class. Hugo uses Frollo to expose the moral failings of those in power, who often hide behind their positions of authority to indulge in their own vices and desires.
Reconciling the Two Trends
3. Separation of Aesthetic and Political
- Aesthetic Appreciation: The renewed interest in Gothic architecture was primarily an aesthetic and cultural movement. It celebrated the beauty, complexity, and historical significance of these buildings without necessarily endorsing the political and social structures of the Middle Ages.
- Critical Distance: Hugo and other Romantic writers maintained a critical distance from the feudal and ecclesiastical institutions of the past. They could appreciate the architectural and artistic achievements of the Gothic period while simultaneously critiquing the social and political systems that those buildings represented.
4. Symbolism and Metaphor
- Symbolic Use: Gothic architecture in The Hunchback of Notre Dame serves as a powerful symbol. Notre Dame Cathedral itself is a character in the novel, standing as a witness to the events and the people who inhabit it. The cathedral represents both the grandeur and the decay of the past, reflecting the complex and often contradictory nature of human history.
- Metaphorical Critique: By using Gothic architecture in this way, Hugo could critique the political structures of his own time. The cathedral, with its towering spires and intricate details, stands in contrast to the dark and oppressive world of the novel, symbolizing the potential for beauty and truth in a world marred by inequality and injustice.
Summary
The renewed interest in Gothic architecture and the struggle against Gothic political structures are not necessarily incompatible. Hugo and his contemporaries could appreciate the aesthetic and cultural value of Gothic architecture while simultaneously critiquing the social and political systems of the past. This dual perspective reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of the Romantic movement and the broader cultural and political landscape of the 19th century.
... the gothic Notre Dame Cathedral serves as a stage for the fictional pushing of the character Frollo by Quasimodo from the belfry which parallels the forced abdication of Charles X;
In the novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo, Claude Frollo's fall from the belfry of Notre Dame Cathedral can be interpreted as a metaphor for the abdication of Charles X. Frollo, a once-respected and pious archdeacon, becomes increasingly obsessed and morally corrupt, ultimately leading to his downfall. Similarly, Charles X, the last Bourbon king of France, faced a crisis of legitimacy and was forced to abdicate during the July Revolution of 1830.
Frollo's fall from the belfry symbolizes the collapse of his moral and spiritual authority. His obsession with Esmeralda and his descent into madness and violence represent a betrayal of his religious and ethical duties. When Quasimodo, his adopted son, pushes him off the balustrade, it marks the final rejection of Frollo's twisted values and the triumph of justice and compassion. This scene can be seen as a parallel to the political upheaval that led to Charles X's abdication, where the people of France rejected the corrupt and outdated monarchy, leading to a new era of governance.
The symbolic nature of Frollo's fall, where he loses his grip and falls to his death, can be read as a commentary on the fragility of power and the consequences of abusing one's position of authority. Just as Charles X's abdication marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new political order, Frollo's fall signifies the end of his corrupt reign and the restoration of moral order in the story.
... Victor Hugo himself provoked the hostility of the French government over what incident;
Victor Hugo, the renowned French author and politician, had several confrontations with the French government, particularly during the mid-19th century. One significant incident of provocation occurred in 1851 when Louis Napoleon (Napoleon III) seized complete power, establishing an anti-parliamentary constitution. Hugo openly declared him a traitor to France and moved to exile in Brussels and then Jersey, where he continued to criticize the regime
Hugo's opposition to the government was not limited to this incident. He was a vocal critic of social injustice and the death penalty, and he advocated for freedom of the press and self-government for Poland. His political stance and literary influence made him a prominent figure in the Romantic literary movement and a symbol of republicanism in France
... Hugo's book The History of a Crime is the testimony of an eyewitness in which he bitterly satirizes the monarchy;
Victor Hugo's “The History of a Crime: The Testimony of an Eye-Witness” is a detailed and impassioned account of the 1852 coup d'Ă©tat that brought Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte to power, leading to Hugo's eighteen-year exile. The work, written in the months following Hugo's flight but published much later in 1877, reflects Hugo's deep patriotic and republican sentiments. It serves as both a historical document and a critique of the monarchy and the rise of authoritarian rule
Hugo's writing in The History of a Crime is characterized by its vivid and often satirical portrayal of the events leading up to and following the coup. He describes the actions of key figures such as Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, whom he derisively refers to as "Napoleon le petit" (Napoleon the Little), and other political leaders who played significant roles in the coup. The book is not only a historical account but also a powerful expression of Hugo's opposition to the monarchy and his support for the Republic
In the work, Hugo details the events of the coup, including the dissolution of the National Assembly, the arrest of political opponents, and the violent suppression of resistance. He also includes personal experiences and eyewitness accounts, making the narrative both compelling and emotionally charged
Hugo's satirical and critical tone is evident throughout the book, as he denounces the betrayal of the Constitution and the democratic principles that he held dear. His portrayal of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte as a usurper and a traitor to the Republic is a central theme, reflecting his deep disillusionment with the political landscape of the time
The History of a Crime is a significant work in Hugo's oeuvre, providing a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in French history and showcasing his commitment to political and social justice
... Hugo was a direct participant in many of the events he describes how accurate is his account as history;
Victor Hugo's The History of a Crime is widely regarded as a detailed and passionate historical account of the coup d'Ă©tat of December 2, 1851, which led to the rise of Napoleon III as the emperor of France. Hugo, who was a prominent figure in French politics and literature, wrote this work while in exile, having been a direct witness to the events he describes. The book is divided into four parts, each detailing the political background, the events leading up to the coup, the coup itself, and its aftermath.
Hugo's account is considered accurate in its historical details, as he provides a minute-by-minute description of the events, including the arrests of political opponents, the violent suppression of resistance, and the subsequent establishment of the Second French Empire. His writing is both engaging and informative, making the book a valuable resource for understanding the political climate of the time
However, it is important to note that The History of a Crime is not a neutral historical document. Hugo was a fierce critic of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, whom he referred to as "Napoleon le petit" (Napoleon the Little). His account is imbued with his personal and political views, which can sometimes color his narrative. Despite this, the book remains a crucial primary source for historians and readers interested in the period
The work was written in the few months following Hugo's flight from France but was only published in 1877, when Hugo feared a similar takeover by Marshal Mac-Mahon, who had threatened the dissolution of the republican-dominated Chambre des députés (parliament). This delay in publication adds to the book's significance as a contemporaneous account that was later used to influence political discourse