The Hunchback of Notre Dame
illustrations by
What’s inside...
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a novel by Victor Hugo set in medieval Paris, focusing on the deformed bell ringer Quasimodo and his love for the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda. Quasimodo is raised by the archdeacon Claude Frollo, who becomes obsessively infatuated with Esmeralda, leading to tragic consequences. The story explores themes of love, fate, and social injustice against the backdrop of the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, which Hugo vividly describes, advocating for its preservation. The novel culminates in a dramatic climax involving betrayal, misunderstanding, and sacrifice, ultimately highlighting the humanity of its characters, despite their physical and societal imperfections.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
519 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Quasimodo's appearance affect the way others treated him? Do you think it's fair?
What can we learn from Esmeralda's kindness towards Quasimodo?
Why do you think Frollo behaves the way he does? What could he have done differently?
How do the different settings, like the cathedral, influence the events in the story?
What does 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' teach us about beauty and acceptance?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Quasimodo’s or Esmeralda’s situation.
Discuss the importance of looking beyond appearances, highlighting moments in the book where characters' actions contradicted their looks.
Explore the motivations behind each character's actions to enhance understanding of different perspectives.
Use the setting descriptions as a starting point to visualize the scenes together, enhancing comprehension and engagement.
Reiterate the message of acceptance and kindness, asking your child how they can apply these lessons in their own lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and empathy
Explanation: The story of 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' illustrates the importance of treating everyone with kindness, regardless of their physical appearance. Quasimodo, despite being shunned for his outward deformities, exhibits a profound depth of emotion and humanity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to accept and embrace differences among their peers, promoting inclusivity and understanding in their interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of inner beauty
Explanation: Quasimodo is often judged by his external appearance, but his actions demonstrate a noble and kind heart. This contrast highlights the theme that true beauty lies within a person’s character rather than their physical attributes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and prioritize personal virtues and kindness over superficial traits in themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience
Explanation: Despite facing adversity and isolation, Quasimodo shows immense bravery, particularly in his efforts to protect Esmeralda. His resilience in overcoming personal hardships serves as a powerful example of strength.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to face their own challenges with bravery, understanding that perseverance and courage can lead to positive outcomes even in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The narrative demonstrates how each character’s actions, whether driven by good or ill intentions, lead to significant consequences. It underscores the importance of making thoughtful decisions.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to consider the impact of their actions on themselves and others, fostering a sense of responsibility and foresight.
Example Lesson: Justice and redemption
Explanation: The story addresses complex themes of justice, illustrating how various characters grapple with their actions and seek redemption. This adds layers of moral complexity to the narrative.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about the concepts of fairness, justice, and the possibility of redemption, which can help them develop a balanced sense of right and wrong.