Three Human Hearts Differently Constructed explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Appearance and Identity

  Quasimodo's hideous appearance contrasts with his heroic act, while Phoebus's handsome looks mask his shallow nature.

• Social Injustice and Class

  Esmeralda, a gypsy and outcast, is condemned by a corrupt justice system, while Quasimodo, another outcast, defies authority to save her.

• The Power of the Crowd

  The populace cheers Quasimodo's rescue, shifting from condemning Esmeralda to celebrating her salvation.

Characters to notice

• Quasimodo

  Rescues Esmeralda by carrying her into Notre-Dame and claiming sanctuary, displaying strength and tenderness.

• La Esmeralda

  Condemned to death for witchcraft and murder, she is saved by Quasimodo and faints from shock.

• Captain Phoebus de Châteaupers

  Recovering from his wound, he flirts with Fleur-de-Lys and dismisses the witch's execution as unimportant.

• Fleur-de-Lys de Gondelaurier

  Engaged to Phoebus, she expresses fear and admiration for him while discussing the witch's penance.

• Master Jacques Charmolue

  Orders Esmeralda to be carried to the cart after she faints at the sight of Phoebus.

Key passages

• “It was touching to behold this protection which had fallen from a being so hideous upon a being so unhappy, a creature condemned to death saved by Quasimodo.”

  It was moving to see such an ugly creature protect such an unfortunate one, a condemned person saved by Quasimodo.

  Highlights the poignant contrast between Quasimodo's appearance and his compassionate act.

• “Sanctuary! Sanctuary! Sanctuary!”

  Sanctuary! Sanctuary! Sanctuary!

  Quasimodo's repeated cry asserts the cathedral's legal protection for Esmeralda.

• “How can any one love anything but a fair skin?”

  How can anyone love anything other than fair skin?

  Phoebus's shallow thoughts reveal his superficial attraction to Fleur-de-Lys.