The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Analysis of
Setting
Majority
of the book takes place in the city of Paris in the fifteenth century. Most activity took place in and around the
Cathedral of Notre-Dame, one of Paris’ most notable landmarks. From the tower
of Notre-Dame the entire city is visible. Beneath the tower is the Place de
Greve, a dark and sinister place where criminals are hung. The novel’s tragic
events take place in the Place de Greve. The Court of Miracles, a Parisian neighborhood,
is also important in the novel or the gypsies and beggars live here and formed
their own mini government.
In
my section of the novel, Hugo starts describing the area in detailed. In
chapter 15, the area of Paris surrounding Notre-Dame is described in detail. The
city is divided into three distinct parts, each with its own customs,
privileges, and history. These parts are the City, the University, and the
Town. These three sections appear to be a whole at a glance.
The
church is part of the city and sits on an island in the middle of the River
Seine. Gothic galleries are to the north of the cathedral, and the Palace of
the Bishop is to the south. An uninhabited part of town is called the Terrain
and is located on the eastern side of the cathedral, and in front of
Notre-Dame. Towards the south is the Palace of Justice and is the pillory where
criminals are put to death.
Hugo
explains that the cathedral of Notre-Dame is only one of the twenty-one great
churches in the city. It is considered the greatest because of its excellent
location. The cathedral also has a wonderful view of Paris. The popularity of
the cathedral makes it the most venerable of all the churches.
The
culture of Paris is really interesting when they celebrate Epiphany and the
Festival of Fools. The traditional
celebrations revolve around three things: exhibition of fireworks in the Place
de Greve, the painting of a May tree at the Chapel
of Braque, and a mystery play performed at the Palace of Justice. The main
attraction for most citizens is the mystery play which is followed by the
Election of the Pope of Fools.
