The Last Day of a Condemned Man

Historical Context and Significance

Victor Hugo's "The Last Day of a Condemned Man" is a powerful work that questions the moral and ethical aspects of the death penalty. Written in 1829, the book is an internal monologue of a man awaiting execution. Hugo uses this narrative to express his humanistic views and critique the justice system. The work had a significant impact on public opinion and contributed to the development of the movement against the death penalty. The book also influenced literature, becoming one of the first examples of a psychological novel, focusing on the protagonist's inner world.