The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a novel by Victor Hugo that was first published in 1831. The novel tells the story of Quasimodo, the deformed bell ringer of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and his unrequited love for the beautiful Gypsy Esmeralda.
It has been adapted to film several times, most notably in the 1996 Disney animated film of the same name. The Disney film deviates significantly from the original story, but it still captures the essence of the novel.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is set in Paris during the 15th century. At that time, Paris was going through a period of great change. Gothic architecture was giving way to Renaissance architecture, and new ideas about religion and society were beginning to take hold. This was a time of great upheaval, and Victor Hugo’s novel reflects that.
The novel was originally published in French under the title Notre-Dame de Paris. The title means “Our Lady of Paris”. It was translated into English in 1833, and has been adapted numerous times for stage, film and television. The book is set in Paris during the reign of Louis XI. This king was succeeded by Charles VIII in 1483, who was succeeded by Louis XII in 1498.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of Hugo’s most famous novels, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a tragic love story set against the backdrop of a city in transition. It’s a story about outcasts and misfits, and about how even the most hated and feared among us can be redeemed.
