“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” a Novel by Victor Hugo Essay (Article)

Abstract

The analysis of literary works, and even visual art, has often been tied to cultural aspects that were associated with the writer and the period such literary works were written. Towards this end, Historicism and New Historicism are concepts developed to analyze literary texts in regards to culture. Whereas Historicism focuses on how culture was used to shape the characters and tell the story, New Historicism analyses texts as historical documents that showcase the different cultural affiliations of a particular society. Generally, one can argue that New Historicism is a revised version of Historicism.

The paper will analyze the novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, by Victor Yugo. The novel was written in the early 1830s. It will be argued that the writer, Hugo, was significantly influenced by the culture of the people of Paris at the time. Additionally, it will be argued that Hugo used his story to showcase some of the cultural elements of the people, thus, turning the book into a historical piece. Indeed, characters in the novel were shaped by similar characters that could be found in Paris at the time. Important to note, the personalities of the characters, the environment, and the events that the characters find themselves in highlight the various cultural elements of Paris.

In retrospect, the purpose of the paper is to analyze the identified novel using New Historicism approach. In so doing, the culture of the people of Paris at the time will be evaluated and measured against historical documentation of the same. Overall, the paper will prove that New Historicism is not only a viable literature criticism theory, but also a great approach to analyze history.

Introduction

When trying to pick any form of literary theory for use, one has to consider the fictional part of the literary text being analyzed. Walford and Fulford explain that many novels that have been identified to carry many historical facts have also been flagged to have some form of fiction (117). Thus, it is up to the reviewer to determine what fact and fiction are in every literary piece. The paper will critically analyze a chosen novel based on the new historicism approach. The preferred story is The Hunchback of Notre Dame, by Victor Hugo. The book revolves around the life of a hunchback, who is perceived as ugly and stupid by the general community. The hunchback is given a task by the main antagonist of the story that ends up changing his life. He not only becomes a criminal, but also realizes that the norms set by society do not favor the poor. Through the story, the reader can identify crucial historical points. It is arguable that the past events used in the novel also shape the characters and the plot. It is indeed, by doing so, that the author can tell the history of the people of Paris.

Historicism and New Historicism

Drakakis and Fludernik define historicism as cultural events or ideas that are determined by history (496). Indeed, in literature, historicism is arguably one of the oldest criticism theories. Using the approach requires one to fully understand the cultural events that surrounded the author at the time. Many a time, writers pick out several elements of their culture to include in their writing (Vincendeau 43). For instance, cultural factors can be used to develop characters or even shape the plot. Therefore, in an attempt to understand the quality of the work done, one has to fully understand how cultural expectations affected the different elements of the genre (Conton 827). Lee goes further and explains that historicism is also inclusive of the author’s life experiences (451). It is common to find that authors incorporate their own experiences into their stories. Understanding the life of the author can also be used to interpret his or her work critically.

On the other hand, New Historicism can be defined as the critical analysis of a piece of literature as a way of preserving culture (Harman 191; Bartoszyńska 273). Towards this end, therefore, the author uses the written work to tell about his or her culture. Thus, unlike in historicism, where the author uses culture to tell a story, in new historicism, the author uses the story to describe his or her culture. It should be noted that many scholars who employ this school of thought agree that culture can be used to develop characters and further the plot. However, they are adamant that the fact that stories also talk about culture is the proof that both context and culture affect each other in literature.

An example can be used to explain both concepts better. While interpreting the Bible, using the historicism approach, one would argue that it is the culture of Jews that led to development of the different characters in the Bible. For example, in the story of Lot, who drank too much wine and slept naked, one can argue that Jews did not fancy people sleeping naked. The repercussions of his actions led to the disagreement with his sons, who he then cursed. Using new historicism, however, one would argue that it is the fact that Jews did not encourage people to sleep naked that developed the character of Lot. In turn, it also shaped the plot of the story.

As stated, the essay seeks to employ the use of both historicism and new historicism in the critical review of the novel Notre-dame de Paris. The story revolves around a hunchback, who falls in love with one of the most beautiful women in the city. The hunchback, Quasimodo, is hired to kidnap the lady but falls in love with her in the process. He does everything possible to protect her from the antagonist of the story. However, his efforts are in vain, and the lady is killed. To avenge her death, Quasimodo pushes the antagonist off a roof of the cathedral, plunging him to his death.

The character of the hunchback develops all through the story to showcase the change in some cultural aspects. At the end of the book, he leaves the cathedral and is accepted into the society. Indeed, when the hunchback is introduced in the beginning of the story, he is not only described as dirty and ugly, but he has not free will and is confined in the cathedral. At the end of the story, he is described as being confident with the ability to do good. It is for the said reason that he is accepted back in the society. No one perceives him as an abomination any more.

It can be argued that the chosen novel can be analyzed using both the historicism and the new historicism approach. The next sections of the paper will take into account how the new historicism approach can be used to analyze the novel. Additionally, the facts that will be presented will also be checked against official history, and the similarities and differences will be drawn.

How It is Written in the Aspects of New Historicism

As stated, new historicism refers to the use of a story to tell about a particular culture. The approach can be used in the critical review of the novel, ‘The Hunchback of Notre-Dame’ by Victor Hugo. The book, which was written in 1831, incorporates several elements that attempt to tell the history of Paris. One such aspect is the importance of the church to the society. Indeed, many of the activities that take place in the movie surround the Catholic Church (Hugo 57). Several elements of the church are very prominent in the text.

First, the church is portrayed as a highly respected place, where sanctuary can be found. Both the hunchback and the lady he is in love with, turn to the church for comfort. The premise shows that at the time, spirituality and religion were considered essential elements of the culture in Paris. However, as the novel progresses, the reader feels the shift of ideas from the reactions of the characters. The antagonist also relies on the church to do his evil bidding. Thus the church to the reader becomes less trustworthy yet very relevant to the story. The importance of the church to the society is also emphasized at the end of the novel. The hunchback kills the protagonist by pushing him off the Notre Dame. Religiously, murder is a sin. Therefore, the hunchback appears to care less about the repercussions of his crime and takes justice into his own hands.

It can also be argued that the issue of justice was very communal at the time. The author tells of the justice and criminal system of the people at that time through various executions and sentences in the novel. Whereas there is a central body that passed judgments to people accused of a crime, much of the enforcement of the sentencing was done by the community itself. The society loved watching some of its members hanged. It can be argued that to the people of Notre Dame at that time the truth did not matter as long as someone was being punished for the crime.

An example from the book that highlights the justice system is that of Frollo, the antagonist. Frollo is the Minister of Justice of Paris yet he falsely accuses Esmeralda of witchcraft. He uses his powers to manipulate his guard, Phoebus, in an attempt to arrest and hang Esmeralda. The justice system appears to be made up of one person, Frollo. He not only controls Phoebus, but all other guards and junior judges in the city.

It is also worth noting that the author uses different characters based on cultural fittings. For example, the characters of Gypsies in the story portray their history in the region. When gypsies are introduced into the text, they seem untrustworthy. The hunchback goes further and drives them away, thinking that they have been sent to hurt the lady in question. The hunchback trusts the kings’ men more than he trusts the gypsies. He, therefore, shows the kings’ men where the lady was hiding, only to realize they did not have the best intentions. Through new historicism, it can be argued that society belittled gypsies, whereas, they had the best of intentions.

The concept of gender is also brought out clearly throughout the story. The role of women/females in the story is very cliché. For example, Esmeralda has not yet made up her mind on who she wants to marry. Additionally, it appears she analyzes her suitors based on their ability to make wealth and their social status. She is not repelled by the villain’s character as he is one of the most eligible bachelors in the town. It takes the efforts of another man, the Hunchback, to ‘save’ her.

It is also crucial to note that power and politics shaped the society. From the text, political power was a significant clout for the community at that time. Anyone who had political power was not only safe but also protected. Issues such as corruption, economic degradation of the people and bad leadership are all featured in the text. For example, the main villain uses his political influence to manipulate the justice system. Being wealthy, he sponsors the politicians in the town. Thus, he is protected by the law despite his criminal tendencies. One can indeed argue that the author was also trying to highlight some of the problems the society faced in the book. Also, the author attempts to bring out some solutions to the issues stated.

How It is Written in Official History

Looking at the history of Paris and Notre Dame, one can argue that there are some similarities with the portrayal offered in the book. First, the description of the city appears to fit Paris during that same time. Ditner argues that in 1831, Paris was going through a revolution due to the different political temperature (25). Indeed, the city became more crowded, many of the residents were poor. From Hugo’s descriptions, one can picture the despicable nature of the city at that time. Not only were the overcrowded spaces appalling, but issues such as crime were rampant. Hugo explains that the city had small closely packed houses, where large families lived in poverty. According to Ditner, people in the lower social classes at that time were used to violence (25). The stated goes to explain why they cheered and looked forward to executions. It should be noted that Hugo, through the text, shows that there was no solidarity amongst the ordinary folks.

Whereas one would expect that the difficulties of life would bring people together, there was so much stratification between the poor people that it led to many deaths. For example, the hunchback could not trust the gypsies for several reasons. First, they were poor people. Based on history, gypsies have been perceived to do anything for money. In fact, from the novel, gypsies are described as untrustworthy (Ditner 32). One can argue that the author used the New Historicism approach to bring out the perception the society had of gypsies at that time. However, one also has to appreciate the fact that the author appears to want to change the blanket opinion the society had on gypsies. He uses gypsies to save the damsel in distress.

By doing so, the author tries to convince the reader that there is more than meets the eye within a society. The society did not trust gypsies because they are poor. However, the fact that the author appears to paint them in a good light only speaks to the fact that society never accepted them. Overall, it can be argued that the author initiated a fantasy, rather than history when developing the characters of the gypsies. Secondly, the gypsies were not trustworthy as they did not have a permanent home. The fact that they moved around made them less accountable. Thus, society found it difficult to trust them.

Otey et al. argue that in 1831, and several years after that, home ownership in Paris was considered very prestigious (1065). Due to the crippling level of poverty in the city, only the wealthy could afford houses. Despite this, the poor still fought for permanent housing by taking up smaller developments in the slum areas of the city. Gypsies, however, preferred living in very temporary housing, a fact that was not understood at that time due to cultural beliefs.

The justice system that is described in the book goes hand in hand with that which is described in the official history of Paris at the time. Not only was the system mired in corruption, but it was also managed by top political leaders for their gain. As stated, the society believed so much in punishment for a crime that they did not care about the truth. Politicians used this to control the communities. It can be argued that justice was not the primary concern to both the leadership and the community as compared to execution.

Suffices to mention that the killing of the antagonist by the hunchback has a historical meaning. Indeed, even though much of Paris remained the same in 1831, fractions of the population were trying to resist the different forces that influenced everyday life in the society. The hunchback would not have had the courage to kill the antagonist because he is used to taking orders. Additionally, it is the antagonist who hired him to kidnap the lady he loved. One can note the change in belief and attitude when the hunchback kills the antagonist. Historically, at around the same time, some members of the community were also protesting against political and judicial decisions. Paris experienced a lot of demonstrations and public outcry for change in the systems, including the legal systems, at the same time.

Historical Event or an Issue Which is Handled from New Historicist Point of View

Several historical events are highlighted in the novel. One of the most significant issues addressed is the social stratification that the society in question embraced. Vilslev defines social stratification as the division of a community based on specific elements such as wealth and education (261). The gap between the rich and the poor is described as significant by the novelist. The descriptions of the places different characters lived in also highlights the differentiation. For example, whereas the antagonist lived in a lovely house, the hunchback did not. Not only did the hunchback live in the basement of the church, but he would often also sleep on the streets (especially when he was protecting Esmeralda from her captors).

It is important to note that many societies, not just those in Notre Dame, were very stratified then. The more wealthy and educated a person was, the higher he or she was in the stratification ladder. Even though one could move from one class to another, many did not get opportunities to do so. Take for instance, in the novel, the hunchback, who was born with a deformity and could not get any significant work due to his physical appearance. The hunchback is, therefore, left to fend for himself through odd jobs and crime. Indeed, to some extent, the difficulty of changing one’s social and economic status forced people to do things they did not initially anticipate. For example, there is no indication that the hunchback is a criminal. Despite this, the main antagonist still finds him and offers him the job. The main reason given as to why this is so is the fact that the hunchback is considered ugly due to his physical appearance. Ugliness is then associated with inability to do decent work.

There are several examples from the novel that can be analyzed using the historicism and new historicism approach. For instance, the scene in which Esmeralda and Captain Phoebus meet at the cathedral can be analyzed using the new historicism approach. Phoebus follows Esmeralda to the cathedral to arrest her for witchcraft. It should be noted that the allegations were made by Frollo, the villain of the story. However, Phoebus changes his mind and falls in love with Esmeralda. He sees her as soft and cannot bring himself to arrest her. Using new historicism, one can argue that in Paris, men were meant to physically protect women. Seen as a less superior, and physically weaker gender, it was up to the men to protect the women from bodily harm.

The stated issue tells more about the people than it does about the plot itself. First, very many people in Paris loved the idea of living in the city. It is due to this that the town was always crowded. It can be argued that populations went into the city to look for work. However, the concept of work in the novel has not been well highlighted. Secondly, the crowded streets were also as a result of derogatory cultures. According to history, the issue of social stratification in Paris was resolved through revolution (Canning 173). As stated, in 1831 several uprisings tried to change the popular culture at the time by highlighting the different things that were negatively affecting the society. The issue of stratification was amongst the concerns such groups had. The change in belief is also very noticeable in the novel.

Social stratification also trickles down to how the society viewed the hunchback. The antagonist asks the hunchback to kidnap Esmeralda as he believes the hunchback is stupid and can only follow orders. The assumption arises from the fact that the hunchback is not only considered ugly but also cannot think on his own. The society feels that he is stupid and cannot differentiate right from wrong. It is for the stated reason that the antagonist does not realize the extent to which the hunchback loves Esmeralda. It is, therefore, easy for the hunchback to kill the antagonist without him (antagonist) knowing. It can be argued that Esmeralda brings a new element of a thought revolution in the novel and in Paris at that time. She does not perceive the hunchback as ugly or stupid.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are very many literature theories that can be used to review literary pieces critically. One of the most common literature theories is historicism. Historicism has been used by several well-known scholars to discuss literature and is defined as the use of culture to develop a story or character. Despite its popularity, however, more scholars have changed their minds and now support new historicism. The main difference between historicism and new historicism is the fact that the latter also emphasizes how stories can be used to highlight the culture of the people.

The chosen novel for review is the Hunchback of Notre Dame, by Victor Hugo. The story is set up in 1831, in Paris, France. A hunchback is hired to kidnap a beautiful lady for a man who is in love with her. However, the hunchback is arrested and the lady rescued. The hunchback is sentenced to hanging but gets pardoned due to the efforts of the lady, Esmeralda. Esmeralda refuses romantic advances from the main antagonist of the story, and this leads to her death. To avenge her, the hunchback, who had fallen in love with her, kills the antagonist.

The novel can be analyzed using the new historicism approach. First, the author uses the character to showcase the economy of France at that time. The description of the living conditions of the hunchback and that of the main antagonist go to show the stratification in the society. Additionally, the descriptions used to highlight the plight of the different groups of people in France. The top class in the society is not only privileged but also feared. The Hunchback was afraid of saying no to kidnapping Esmeralda. One can argue that he knew kidnapping Esmeralda was wrong. His was not an internal war on good and evil but rather an internal war on social class.

Also, the justice system of Paris is highlighted in the plot. During the said era, the community was not interested in the truth, but instead, in the punishment. Thus, anyone would be punished for a crime, despite no evidence showing their involvement in the said crime. The stated justice system was also preferential. Only the rich and wealthy would get some form of justice. Esmeralda is not portrayed as a wealthy woman. For this reason, she was easily accused of the crime and almost killed. The premise also brings about the issue of gender and justice. The main villain of the story is male. He is, however, able to easily manipulate the system. Since the system favors him, the Hunchback has no option but to take matters into his own hands.

The issue of gender is further developed to highlight the perception of weakness of gender. Arguably, Esmeralda is not a strong character. In fact, the only role the character plays is cliché. Her feminine features have been used to showcase how women were perceived as weak. For example, she could not make up her mind on who she wanted to marry and had to fully depend on the male characters. Since the author based the character development on the New Historicism approach, he was influenced directly by the societal views of gender. Paris and France in general, therefore, experienced gender inequality during the stated era.

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