Exile, By Victor Hugo

Victor Hugo, the creator of the book the movie is based on, was exiled in his own way. Hugo wrote his novel in response to his own exile from his home in France for his criticism against the French government. As a result, Hugo became an important French writer who spoke out against his banishment and the oppression in France. He used his experience in exile to create several misunderstood characters in his famous novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and, as a result, he has been able to create a believable and likable group of outcasts that represent his fellow Parisians and his personal views of oppression that continue to influence people to this day.

In Exile, Hugo would not only continue to write but would find that the personal experience …show more content…
Hugo felt changed by his experience in the islands and used the hardship he felt after being forced out of his home to his advantage. In her article “Victor Hugo: The Dangerous Master,” Literary Critic, Renee Winegarten describes Victor Hugo’s kindness and compassion for the oppressed: “Deeply distressed by the poverty and hardship he saw about him, he responded with generous compassion for the suffering underdog, with hatred for injustice and compassion” (Winegarten 8) In The Hunchback of Notre Dame, one of the main characters is a gypsy named Esmeralda. Esmeralda is very kind and thoughtful to those less fortunate than her. She stands up against the Archdeacon, Frollo, when he abuses the other gypsies. She also has hatred for the government in France. Although Victor wrote his book after his exile, the inspiration for Esmeralda is very clear. Hugo also used his feeling of isolation to create his character. Esmeralda is also a strong leader; who gains her strength through being isolated by the other villagers for her kindness against the outcasts of society. Esmeralda also leads a revolt against the Archdeacon. Hugo’s exile made him a stronger leader. In the article “Victor Marie Hugo, Vicomte,” Hugo’s visionary belief is described, “The years of exile by the seas intensified Hugo’s growing belief in the poet as a visionary leader of his fellow …show more content…
Author Susan Guerlac describes Hugo’s changing powers when she says, “However, he did slowly succeed in converting Paris audiences . . . to acceptance of a new style of historical drama” (Guerlac 5). Hugo was a legend to those who loved his work, and he established himself as a strong and influential Romantic writer; “He established his position as a leader of the Romantic movement in French literature” (Springfield 1) Victor Hugo finally had a legacy; he even had a political career. Hugo was elected to the newly formed French Senate in 1876. He was also celebrated because he lived for 80 years, which was not very common for anyone in France at the time. But soon Hugo’s health declined and on May 22, 1885, at the age of 83, Victor Hugo died from pneumonia. France was devastated. There was a large ceremony for his death, “When Victor Hugo died . . . one million mourners gathered in the streets of Paris to see his corpse borne to the Parthenon. Buried with honors usually reserved for heads of sate. Although controversial and politically charged his works were embraced by both critics and commoners” (Gale 4). Victor Hugo died with honor and died a strong and influential writer. His legacy as a controversial writer lives on in France and his tomb is still in the