"The Hunchback of Notre-Dame," originally titled "Notre-Dame de Paris," is a French Gothic novel by Victor Hugo, published in 1831. Set in 15th-century Paris, the story revolves around Quasimodo, the deformed bell ringer of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and his unrequited love for Esmeralda, a Romani street dancer. Other key characters include Archdeacon Claude Frollo and Captain Phoebus. The novel explores themes of love, death, lust, and jealousy, while also emphasizing the importance of the Notre-Dame Cathedral as a central figure and a symbol of French cultural heritage. The page count varies depending on the edition, with some editions exceeding 900 pages. However, a hardcover edition by Everyman's Library contains 504 pages.
The novel is considered a classic of French literature and a prime example of Romanticism. "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" has been adapted numerous times into films, television series, musicals, and stage productions. Notable film adaptations include the 1923 silent film starring Lon Chaney, the 1939 film with Charles Laughton, the 1956 film with Anthony Quinn, and the 1996 Disney animated film featuring the voice of Tom Hulce as Quasimodo. The 1996 Disney animated film received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Musical or Comedy Score and a Golden Globe for Best Original Score. However, it also received a Razzie nomination for Worst Written Film Grossing Over $100 Million.
