# Unpopularity explained — Notre-Dame de Paris

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

## What happens

The chapter describes the general unpopularity of both Archdeacon Claude Frollo and Quasimodo among the local populace. When they walk together through the streets near Notre-Dame, they are met with insults, jests, and mockery from children, old women, and students, though both usually remain oblivious or indifferent to the taunts.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Injustice and Class

The populace's cruel treatment of Quasimodo and Claude Frollo highlights the social prejudice and injustice faced by those who are different or perceived as outsiders.

### Appearance and Identity

Quasimodo's physical deformity and Claude's stern appearance provoke mockery, emphasizing how outward appearance shapes public perception and identity.

## Character check-ins

### Dom Claude Frollo

The archdeacon, walking with Quasimodo, is the target of insults and mockery from the populace, but remains too dreamy to notice.

### Quasimodo

The bellringer, accompanying Claude Frollo, is also jeered at and physically pricked by mischievous children, but is too deaf to hear the insults.

## Key lines

> When Claude and Quasimodo went out together, which frequently happened, and when they were seen traversing in company, the valet behind the master, the cold, narrow, and gloomy streets of the block of Notre-Dame, more than one evil word, more than one ironical quaver, more than one insulting jest greeted them on their way

Whenever Claude and Quasimodo walked together through the dark, narrow streets near Notre-Dame, they were met with insults, sarcastic remarks, and mocking jokes.

_Describes the public hostility they faced._

> Sometimes a mischievous child risked his skin and bones for the ineffable pleasure of driving a pin into Quasimodo’s hump.

Occasionally, a naughty child would risk getting hurt just for the thrill of sticking a pin into Quasimodo's hump.

_Illustrates the cruel treatment Quasimodo endured._

> But the insult generally passed unnoticed both by the priest and the bellringer. Quasimodo was too deaf to hear all these gracious things, and Claude was too dreamy.

However, the insults usually went unnoticed: Quasimodo was too deaf to hear them, and Claude was too lost in thought.

_Explains why the two did not react to the mockery._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters/vi-unpopularity
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/notre_dame_de_paris_se/chapters