The Hunchback
of Notre Dame:
First
Impressions Journal
Summary
The novel opens up
on January 6, 1482. The city of Paris is in the middle of its yearly celebrations for Epiphany and the Festival of Fools. The traditional
celebrations revolve around three events: an 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.
In the first
chapter, the paths of the Palace of Justice are packed with people awaiting the
arrival of the Flemish Ambassadors. The noise of the impatient crowd, as they
charm themselves by making fun of each other, echoes throughout the entire
palace.
The clock strikes
twelve, the show has still not begun and the angry crowd begins shouting.
Finally Michel Gibourne, an actor dressed as Jupiter, appears and announces
that the play will being soon as the Carnival arrives.
Contextual Opinion (According to
the Context of the Novel)
In
this chapter, Hugo introduces some of the customs of fifteenth century Paris,
especially in public celebrations. The Parisian citizens enjoy the festivals
and attend them in high spirit. The especially look forward to seeing and
honoring Foreign Ambassadors who may be present at the celebrations. Hugo
emphasizes the customs of publicizing important matters through tolling the
bells in the tower of the great cathedral of Notre Dame. In addition, Hugo
points out that Paris has a well-established system of low and order. Also,
describing in detail the law keepers, including a description of their clothes.
After
doing some research, the celebrations of the Epiphany and the Festival of Fools
were not documented in history books; in the novel Hugo indicates that these
festivals attracted a great gathering of people in Paris. The crowd becomes a
disorderly mob, even does some damage to some of the great architectural
structures of Paris.
In
the opening chapter, Hugo draws intense images of the architecture and
sculpture in the Palace of Justice and Great Hall. He clearly reveals that he
has an appreciation of history and compassion to the spirit of his country. The
main purpose of the first chapter is to draw the reader’s attention to the rich
medieval heritage of Paris.
Personal Opinion
Hugo
really emphasizes the importance of creating a setting for the reader to think
about. Images are being drawn in my head as I’m reading. I have a stronger
appreciation for architecture and its beauty after Hugo captured this vibrant
image. I feel that the main purpose of the first chapter was to draw attention
to the beautiful architecture of Paris.
I
feel that nothing much has happened in the plot lately. Hugo has described the
traditional celebrations that are about to happen in Paris. Even though the
novel doesn’t really match history, Hugo describes the events that would
happen. I hope that the next few chapters reveal more about the celebrations
that are about to happen in Paris.
The
novel has not revealed many characters except one minor character. Michel
Gibourne who was an actor announces when the play will start. How Hugo
describes groups of people like the law keeps is in a lot of detail. He
describes their clothing and personality which can help us generate and image
and connections to certain characters. I like how Hugo portrays and reveals
characters in this novel.
