Initially, we are introduced to a “sinful child”, which author Hintz and Tribunella define in Reading Children’s Literature, chapter one: historicizing childhood, “ […] that of the child as sinful and in need of discipline and training.” (18 Hintz, Tribunella) The actions brought on by a sinful child relate to mischievous and criminal behavior, “[…] especially for poor and working-class children.” (19 Hintz, Tribunella) Throughout the read we see characteristics of a sinful child reflected in Hugo’s actions. It begins with stealing parts from Mr. Melies, who is the toy merchant; whom we find ourselves face to face with in the images discussed previously. “Had he figured out some of his toys were missing?” wondered Hugo, “well, there was noting
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It becomes apparent however, after gaining further knowledge of Hugo, that the boy is not a sinful child at heart, “Uncle Claude taught Hugo how to steal, which Hugo hated more than anything, but sometimes it was the only way to get something to eat.” (126 Hintz, Tribunella) As we continue to read and understand Hugo, along with his situation, we realize that his mischievous actions are a result of the fact that he has been forced to be a child, who represents a miniature …show more content…
At the young age of ten, Hugo is orphaned and alone, hidden inside the walls of the train station, where he has no means of money to feed himself. Although he took on the role of a working child when he was taken out of school and brought to the station, where he took on the duty of fixing the clocks for his missing uncle, he did so in secrecies. Hugo was not paid for his hard work for fear that he would be taken away from his automaton project, which he claimed to be his only purpose, and sent off to a foster home or worse an orphanage. As the story progresses, Hugo begins to develop along side his novel. With the help of the textual context, we visualize Hugo as he takes on the role of a developing child throughout his discoveries and
It becomes apparent however, after gaining further knowledge of Hugo, that the boy is not a sinful child at heart, “Uncle Claude taught Hugo how to steal, which Hugo hated more than anything, but sometimes it was the only way to get something to eat.” (126 Hintz, Tribunella) As we continue to read and understand Hugo, along with his situation, we realize that his mischievous actions are a result of the fact that he has been forced to be a child, who represents a miniature …show more content…
At the young age of ten, Hugo is orphaned and alone, hidden inside the walls of the train station, where he has no means of money to feed himself. Although he took on the role of a working child when he was taken out of school and brought to the station, where he took on the duty of fixing the clocks for his missing uncle, he did so in secrecies. Hugo was not paid for his hard work for fear that he would be taken away from his automaton project, which he claimed to be his only purpose, and sent off to a foster home or worse an orphanage. As the story progresses, Hugo begins to develop along side his novel. With the help of the textual context, we visualize Hugo as he takes on the role of a developing child throughout his discoveries and