Notre-Dame de Paris · Chapter
II: Turn Vagabond explained
Jehan Frollo visits his brother Dom Claude in the cloister, pretending to be penitent and asking for money to reform his ways.
What happens
Jehan Frollo visits his brother Dom Claude in the cloister, pretending to be penitent and asking for money to reform his ways. When the archdeacon refuses, Jehan threatens to become a vagabond. Dom Claude coldly tells him to do so, then throws him a purse as a final gift.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Hypocrisy
Jehan feigns contrition and quotes religious advice to manipulate his brother, while Dom Claude's coldness contrasts with his clerical role.
Characters to notice
- Dom Claude Frollo
The archdeacon is cold and dismissive toward his brother, refusing his request for money and telling him to become a vagabond, though he ultimately throws him a purse.
- Jehan Frollo du Moulin
Jehan visits his brother pretending to be contrite and asking for money to reform, but when refused, he threatens to become a vagabond. He leaves with a purse thrown at him.
Key passages
“Brother, you behold a culprit, a criminal, a wretch, a libertine, a man of enormities!”
Jehan dramatically confesses to being a sinner and a libertine.
Jehan's exaggerated self-accusation is part of his act to gain sympathy and money.
“Become a vagabond.”
Dom Claude tells Jehan to go ahead and become a vagabond.
The archdeacon's cold response shows his indifference to Jehan's threat.