# Three Human Hearts Differently Constructed explained — Notre-Dame de Paris

> Chapter companion for Notre-Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo.

## What happens

Quasimodo rescues Esmeralda from execution by claiming sanctuary within Notre-Dame, while Phoebus and Fleur-de-Lys discuss the witch's penance from a window, revealing their shallow engagement.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/vi-three-human-hearts-differently-constructed
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters