Notre-Dame de Paris · Chapter
V: Quasimodo explained
The chapter describes the election of the Pope of Fools during the Festival of Fools.
What happens
The chapter describes the election of the Pope of Fools during the Festival of Fools. Coppenole organizes a grinning match where competitors thrust their heads through a hole in the chapel's rose window. After a series of grotesque faces, Quasimodo appears and wins unanimously due to his naturally deformed features. He is crowned with a cardboard tiara and paraded through the galleries.
Themes in this chapter
The Power of the Crowd
The crowd's collective excitement and laughter dominate the hall, overriding Gringoire's play and dictating the election of the Pope of Fools.
Appearance and Identity
Quasimodo's natural deformity is mistaken for a grimace, highlighting how his physical appearance defines his identity in the eyes of the crowd.
Characters to notice
- Quasimodo
Elected Pope of Fools for his naturally grotesque face; he is hunchbacked, bandy-legged, one-eyed, and deaf, yet shows proud docility when arrayed in the papal robes.
- Pierre Gringoire
The poet whose play is ignored by the crowd; he attempts to continue his performance but is left with only one spectator, the guardian of the seals.
- Jehan Frollo
Observed atop a pillar during the orgy, shouting with incredible fury; he comments on Quasimodo's deafness and appearance.
- Clopin Trouillefou
Participates in the grinning match but is defeated by Quasimodo's grimace; he confesses himself conquered.
- Master Jacques Coppenole
Organizes the grinning match and applauds Quasimodo's election.
- Guillaume Rym
Notices the cardinal's discomfiture as he retires from the hall.
- Robin Poussepain
Makes remarks about Quasimodo's appearance, calling him a one-eyed man.
Key passages
“In the twinkling of an eye, all was ready to execute Coppenole’s idea.”
Coppenole's plan was put into action almost instantly.
Describes the swift organization of the grinning match.
“The grimace was his face. Or rather, his whole person was a grimace.”
Quasimodo's natural appearance was itself a grotesque spectacle.
Emphasizes that Quasimodo's deformity is not a performance but his true form.