In 1831, French author Victor Hugo published The Hunchback of Notre-Dame originally titled, Notre-Dame de Paris. This story tells the tale of Esmeralda, a beautiful gypsy dancer who is in love with the handsome Captain Phoebus. She is condemned for witchcraft by the jealous archdeacon, Claude Frollo. The deformed bell ringer of Notre-Dame Cathedral tries to save Esmeralda by hiding her in the cathedral’s tower. He is betrayed by Frollo and Esmeralda is sentenced and hung to death. In his grief, Quasimodo pushed Frollo from the Cathedral tower.
This novel describes Quasimodo as a monster and the citizens view him as a supernatural being that prowls around Paris. They mistreat him. Like Quasimodo, society also treats Esmeralda the same. Being a gypsy, she is accused of witchcraft. Together, these two characters are condemned by society. Hugo reveals through his writings that the true monsters are in fact Claude Frollo and Captain Phoebus.
The most significant aspect of this novel is the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The French Revolution left many gothic cathedrals in decay and the people expressed a need to liberate themselves from the past. They wanted to condemn any institution associated with the traditional monarchical regime. Hugo felt strongly about preserving the city’s historic Gothic architecture and recreated the vibrance of the 15th century atmosphere to remind readers about the significance of the past. His novel was so successful that many thousands of printings followed. The imagery of the cathedral helped revive it.
Popular adaptions of this novel include the 1923 silent film produced by Carl Laemmle which was notable for its grand sets. The 1939 film directed by William Dieterle featured a happy ending where Quasimodo rescues Esmeralda from her tragic end and was so widely regarded that this version was remade multiple times. Disney’s 1996 animated adventure won 8 awards and was nominated for an Oscar.
The De Carlini Quasimodo Christmas Ornament is decorated in a green tunic belted off at the waiste. This item makes the perfect memento for novel enthusiasts!
