Notre-Dame de Paris · Chapter
IV: The Inconveniences of Following a Pretty Woman Through the Streets in the Evening explained
Gringoire follows the gypsy and her goat through the darkening streets of Paris, lost in philosophical reverie about the pleasure of following a pretty woman.
What happens
Gringoire follows the gypsy and her goat through the darkening streets of Paris, lost in philosophical reverie about the pleasure of following a pretty woman. He overhears conversations among townspeople about the cold and a mishap involving a horse. The gypsy becomes aware of his pursuit and shows disdain. When she turns a corner, Gringoire hears her scream and finds her struggling in the arms of two men, one of whom is Quasimodo. Gringoire calls for help but is easily thrown aside. A captain of the king's archers, Phoebus de Châteaupers, arrives with his squad, rescues the gypsy, and has Quasimodo captured. The gypsy asks Phoebus his name, thanks him, and then flees.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance and Identity
Quasimodo's ugliness is described as his most formidable weapon, but at night it is ineffective. The gypsy's beauty and Phoebus's good looks are highlighted.
Fate and Destiny
Gringoire's philosophical musings on following the gypsy without knowing where she is going reflect a surrender to fate and chance.
Characters to notice
- Pierre Gringoire
Follows the gypsy through the streets, philosophizing about the pleasure of following a pretty woman. He is thrown aside by Quasimodo when he tries to intervene.
- La Esmeralda
The gypsy is followed by Gringoire, becomes uneasy, and is attacked by Quasimodo and another man. She is rescued by Captain Phoebus, asks his name, and then flees.
- Quasimodo
Attempts to kidnap the gypsy with a companion. He is subdued and captured by the king's archers after being confronted by Captain Phoebus.
- Captain Phoebus de Châteaupers
Rescues the gypsy from Quasimodo, introduces himself, and orders Quasimodo bound. He expresses regret that the gypsy fled.
- Djali
The gypsy's goat, which accompanies her and runs after her when she is attacked.
Key passages
“Gringoire set out to follow the gypsy at all hazards. He had seen her, accompanied by her goat, take to the Rue de la Coutellerie; he took the Rue de la Coutellerie. “Why not?” he said to himself.”
Gringoire decided to follow the gypsy without hesitation, taking the same street she had entered, simply asking himself 'Why not?'
Gringoire's impulsive decision to follow the gypsy sets the chapter's action in motion.
““What is your name, monsieur le gendarme?” “Captain Phoebus de Châteaupers, at your service, my beauty!” replied the officer, drawing himself up. “Thanks,” said she. And while Captain Phoebus was turning up his moustache in Burgundian fashion, she slipped from the horse, like an arrow falling to earth, and fled.”
The gypsy asked the officer his name, and he proudly introduced himself as Captain Phoebus de Châteaupers. She thanked him and then quickly dismounted and ran away before he could react.
This exchange establishes the first meeting between Esmeralda and Phoebus, and her swift departure leaves Phoebus disappointed.