Victor Hugo

Victor Hugo (1802–1885) was a towering figure in French literature and a central voice of the Romantic movement. Born in Besançon, he began his career as a poet and playwright, quickly gaining fame with works like Hernani. His novels often blend epic storytelling with deep social commentary. Notre-Dame de Paris (1831) revived interest in Gothic architecture and medieval Paris, while Les Misérables (1862) became a global symbol of compassion and the struggle for justice. Hugo was also a passionate political activist, advocating for democracy and human rights, which led to his exile during the reign of Napoleon III. His literary legacy endures through his vivid characters, moral vision, and influence on generations of writers. He died in Paris in 1885, receiving a state funeral and burial in the Panthéon.