The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

by

Victor Hugo

The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Book 1, Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
The “fool’s pope” procession follows Quasimodo from the hall. Gringoire thinks that perhaps now those left in the audience will enjoy his play. However, the procession pretty much empties the hall and only a few stragglers remain. One of the students in the window looks out into the square and suddenly shouts, “La Esmeralda!” The remaining people in the hall dash out when they hear this and Gringoire despairs. He storms out of the hall and wonders bitterly what “La Esmeralda” means.
The “fool’s pope” procession is clearly very popular with the Parisians. Their rejection of Gringoire’s play—which has been commissioned by the nobility—suggests that, when the people are free to choose, they know what they want and are able to use the strength of their numbers to get their own way.
Themes
Justice, Punishment, and Freedom Theme Icon