The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is a French romantic, gothic novel, written by French poet, novelist and dramatist Victor Hugo in 1831. The story is centered on Notre Dame Cathedral, which is in Paris. The main character is a hunchback, named Quasimodo, who is the bell-ringer of Notre Dame. Esmeralda is a beautiful Gypsy street dancer with a kind heart; she captures hearts of many men, including Quasimodo and his father, Frollo. He orders Quasimodo to kidnap her, but the hunchback was captured by Phoebus and guards. He was sentenced to be flogged and turned on the pillory. Esmeralda saves him by giving him a drink of water and she captures his heart. The book illustrates the Gothic era as one of the extremes of architecture, passion, and religion. The theme of fate and destiny is explored as well as revolution and social conflict.