The Invention of Hugo Cabret: Part 1, Chapter 4: The Window Summary & Analysis

Hugo stands outside in the cold, looking at the old man’s apartment building. For a moment, Hugo simply stares at the building and fiddles with his jacket. He rubs the jacket the same way he does his notebook. Then, Hugo grabs a stone and throws it at one of the building’s windows. Seconds later, the young girl Hugo saw at the toy shop peeks her head out the window.

Before Hugo can say anything, the girl makes a series of gestures to tell him to be quiet and wait for her there. The girl closes the curtains and a few minutes later she comes outside to talk to Hugo. Hugo explains who he is and says that the girl’s grandfather stole his notebook. In response, the girl tells Hugo that “Papa Georges” isn’t her grandfather. Then, she calls Hugo a thief. Hugo protests his innocence, but the girl does not believe him.

Hugo asks the girl if she will let him inside, but she refuses. Hugo tells her that he will not leave without his notebook and then picks up another rock to throw. The girl takes the stone from Hugo and tells him that she will get in trouble if she is seen outside with him. Then, she asks Hugo why he wants the notebook so badly. However, Hugo refuses to tell her and tries to pick up yet another rock.

Realizing what Hugo is attempting, the girl—who is slightly bigger than him—pushes him to the ground and holds him there. She promises Hugo that she will not let Georges burn his notebook. She also tells Hugo to return to the toy shop the following day to ask for it back. At this point, Hugo figures he has no other option than to put his trust in the young girl. He gets up and then runs home in the snow.