Notre-Dame de Paris

Author: (French) Hugo / Li Yumin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This series of books includes dozens of classic Chinese literature, modern Chinese literature, and foreign literature. Unlike other editions, it distinctly reflects its service to teenagers: First, it provides concise and practical annotations to answer readers' questions and deliver knowledge; second, the translations of foreign classics are simple and vivid, making them easy for Chinese teenagers to read; third, it includes expert-written introductory essays to help readers understand the classics; fourth, many works are accompanied by illustrations from the original texts and newly drawn color illustrations to enhance readers' appreciation; fifth, the selected works are based on the recommended reading list from the Ministry of Education's teaching syllabus, closely related to students' classroom learning and extracurricular reading. In summary, this series strives to meet the needs of contemporary readers in all aspects to facilitate the reading and inheritance of classics. How to read and understand literary classics is a process that evolves with the times. It is certain that in the new era, it will continue to play a unique and irreplaceable role. We hope that readers will provide us with valuable suggestions and let us know the classics they wish to read. Let us work together to build this series well. The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is Hugo's largest romantic novel. The work focuses on the three characters Esmeralda, Claude Frollo, and Quasimodo, as well as their relationships, reflecting Hugo's views on good, evil, beauty, and ugliness, while mercilessly exposing the crimes of the Catholic Church and feudal rule. On January 6, 1482, the streets of Paris were bustling with excitement, as citizens celebrated the joy of "April Fool's Day" and "Epiphany." On the Place Grève in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the beautiful Gypsy girl Esmeralda was selling a small goat that could perform tricks. Her dazzling performance and graceful dancing won the audience's enthusiastic applause but also disturbed the peace of Claude Frollo, the Bishop of Notre-Dame, whose heart was stirred by Esmeralda's beauty and elegance, giving rise to a complex mix of desire and hatred for her. That night, he ordered Quasimodo, the grotesquely ugly bell ringer, to abduct Esmeralda in the streets. However, the girl was rescued by Phoebus, the captain of the archers, who was on patrol. She then fell in love with this frivolous officer. The next day, Quasimodo was tied to the Place Grève for public display. Under the scorching sun, he was whipped, thirsty, and shouted for water. But instead of help, he faced mockery, curses, and stones and rags thrown at him. Although the Bishop was present, he kept his distance. At that moment, Esmeralda, holding a water jug, pushed through the crowd and climbed the scaffold, bringing a cup of water to Quasimodo's lips. This act deeply moved the ugly man. Tears streamed down his withered eyes for the first time. Since being rescued by the captain of the archers, Esmeralda could not forget this handsome young officer. Once Phoebus invited Esmeralda to meet in secret, and upon learning this, Claude Frollo was consumed with jealousy. As the two lovers confessed their feelings, Frollo stabbed Phoebus with a dagger and framed the girl, leading to Esmeralda's execution. On the day of her execution, Quasimodo, out of gratitude for Esmeralda, rescued her from the scaffold and hid her inside Notre-Dame Cathedral, caring for her and protecting her with great devotion, thwarting the Bishop's several attempts to capture her. Since Notre-Dame Cathedral was a "sanctuary" beyond the reach of the law, both the Church and the monarchy were furious. Soon, the Church incited religious fervor, claiming that the Gypsy girl was a witch who had desecrated the sacred site. The court also decided to disregard the sanctuary clause and arrest the girl. At this time, the beggars and outcasts of Paris, upon hearing the news, rushed to attack Notre-Dame Cathedral, intending to rescue Esmeralda. Amid the chaos, Claude Frollo abducted Esmeralda from the Cathedral once again, forcing her to submit to him and declaring his fiery love for her. However, she firmly refused. In a fit of rage, the Bishop handed Esmeralda over to the officers pursuing her. Esmeralda was taken to the gallows. From the rooftop of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Bishop laughed maniacally. At that moment, Quasimodo, consumed with despair after losing Esmeralda, in an outburst of fury, pushed the Bishop off the tower, killing him instantly. The next day, Quasimodo disappeared. Two years later, two sets of human remains were discovered in the Montfaucon Cemetery. Strangely, they were embracing, and as soon as they were separated, the bones turned to ash.