1993

Author: Victor Hugo, translated by Lu Xiaoxiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: Victor Hugo, a representative writer of 19th-century French Romanticism. Born in Besan?on, France in 1802, he had two older brothers. His father was a general under Napoleon. During his youth, the family followed the military due to his father's career, moving to various places. Despite the difficult family environment, he continued to receive education. At the age of 13, he entered a boarding school with his brothers and both became student leaders. By the age of 16, Hugo had already composed outstanding poems. At 21, he published a poetry collection and gained widespread fame. At 43, King Louis Philippe appointed him to the Chamber of Deputies, after which he devoted himself to politics. In 1849, the French Revolution broke out, and King Louis was executed. During this period, Hugo actively advocated for the revolution, contributed greatly to the new republican regime, was ennobled as a count, and was elected as a national representative and a member of the National Assembly. Three years later, Napoleon III declared himself emperor, and Hugo fiercely criticized him, leading to his exile. For the next 20 years, he wandered from place to place, completing the novel Les Misérables during this time. The same-named musical is based on this novel. In 1870, France restored the republican regime (Second Republic), and Hugo ended his exile and returned to France. He made significant contributions both in politics and literature. In 1885, Hugo passed away at the age of 83 and was given a state funeral in Paris.