Notre-Dame de Paris · Chapter
VI: Esmeralda explained
Gringoire's mystery play is abandoned as the audience rushes to see La Esmeralda dance in the Place de Grève.
What happens
Gringoire's mystery play is abandoned as the audience rushes to see La Esmeralda dance in the Place de Grève. Despite his efforts to continue, the performance collapses when even his actors abandon him to catch a glimpse of the mysterious dancer. Gringoire laments the fickleness of the Parisian crowd and curses the name 'Esmeralda.'
Themes in this chapter
The Power of the Crowd
The Parisian crowd's fickle attention abandons Gringoire's play to chase the spectacle of La Esmeralda, demonstrating the crowd's overwhelming influence on events.
Appearance and Identity
La Esmeralda's mere presence in the square captivates the audience, highlighting how physical appearance and exoticism overshadow intellectual or artistic pursuits.
Characters to notice
- Pierre Gringoire
The poet whose mystery play is ruined by the crowd's obsession with La Esmeralda; he stoically tries to continue but ultimately fails.
- Quasimodo
Mentioned as part of the procession of the Pope of Fools that exits the hall, drawing the audience away.
- Master Jacques Coppenole
Leaves the hall with Quasimodo and the procession, contributing to the dispersal of the audience.
- La Esmeralda
Her appearance in the Place de Grève causes the remaining audience to abandon Gringoire's play; she is the object of everyone's fascination.
- Michel Giborne
The actor playing Jupiter in Gringoire's mystery; he is unable to perform because a scholar stole the ladder to see La Esmeralda.
Key passages
“We are delighted to be able to inform the reader, that during the whole of this scene, Gringoire and his piece had stood firm.”
The narrator is pleased to report that Gringoire and his play held steady throughout the commotion.
Highlights Gringoire's determination to continue despite the chaos.
“‘May the devil fly away with you!’ he said to the comedian, ‘and if I get my pay, you shall receive yours.’”
Gringoire curses the actor and promises to pay him only if he himself gets paid.
Shows Gringoire's frustration and resignation at the failure of his play.
“‘A fine rabble of asses and dolts these Parisians!’ he muttered between his teeth; ‘they come to hear a mystery and don’t listen to it at all!’”
Gringoire grumbles that the Parisians are fools who come to a play but pay no attention.
Expresses Gringoire's bitter disappointment with the audience's behavior.