The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

Style and Technique

Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is a vivid example of Romanticism. It is characterized by a broad scope of action and deep immersion in the history of 15th-century France and Paris. Hugo employs a richly descriptive style, creating a vibrant and diverse picture of the era. The language is filled with metaphors, allegories, and symbols, giving the text expressiveness and depth. He skillfully interweaves philosophical and social reflections into the plot, making it both captivating and multifaceted. The narrative structure is complex, with intertwined character arcs, multiple episodes, shifting perspectives, and detailed descriptions of the cathedral’s architecture, which serves not just as a backdrop but as an active participant in the story, influencing its course and the characters’ development. Epic descriptions and dynamic events create a unique atmosphere that immerses the reader in the historical period.