The Hunchback of Notre Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo
Artwork by Chiara Giraldi
1. Introduction
"This is a tale that takes its place in Paris fair, this year of grace.
Fourteen hundred eighty two a tale of lust and love so true."
Thus begins Victor Hugo's story, with narrator Gringoire recounting the events surrounding Notre
Dame Cathedral in Paris.
2. Belle
“Belle, is the only word I know that suits her well.”
“Belle, there's a demon inside her who came from hell.”
“Belle, Even though her eyes seem to lead us to hell.”
In the course of the story the encounter of the three men with Esmeralda gives rise to three different
types of love: the pure love of Quasimodo, the forbidden love of the priest Frollo and the physical
love of the soldier Phebo.
3. Court of Miracles
"Poet Gringoire, now you must be hung, you've come where you don't belong."
To the most secret circle of the court of the miracles."
The poetra Gringoire arrives by mistake at the court of miracles and is saved by the beautiful
Esmeralda who marries him to avoid death.
4. Destiny
"Oh destiny, you hold our lives in your hand."
Phebo, during a passionate encounter with Esmeralda, is stabbed in secret by Frollo, taken by an
attack of jealousy.
Esmeralda is imprisoned and led to the gallows, accused of murder and witchcraft.
5. Esmeralda death
"With you, I will live with you.
Because with you is not dying."
Esmeralda is hanged to death because she refuses the freedom offered to her by Frollo in exchange
for her physical love.
After finding Esmeralda's body in the mass grave in Paris, Quasimodo lets himself die in her arms.
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