Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Gothic Architecture, History, and Art
Lust, Sin, and Misogyny
Appearances, Alienation, and Hypocrisy
Fate and Predestination
The Supernatural, Rationalism, and Knowledge
Justice, Punishment, and Freedom
Summary
Analysis
Once Frollo is back in Paris, he hears that Quasimodo has rescued Esmeralda and that she has taken sanctuary in the church. In despair, Frollo locks himself in his cell and refuses to venture out. From here, Frollo watches Quasimodo and Esmeralda and believes that Esmeralda flirts with Quasimodo. The idea that Esmeralda may prefer Quasimodo to him makes Frollo furious with jealousy and he remembers the time he saw Quasimodo gazing down at Esmeralda while she danced in the square below.
Frollo tried to have Esmeralda killed because he believed that this would end his obsession with her. When he discovers she is still alive, he despairs because he cannot forget her and, instead, must live alongside her in the cathedral. This suggests that, although Frollo tries to suppress his feelings for Esmeralda (because he believes that lust is sinful), he’ll never succeed; these feelings will always return in new ways.
Themes
One night, Frollo can stand his position no longer. Sensual visions and dreams about Esmeralda torture him and he feels he must possess her. He takes his key for the staircase, which leads to her cell, and makes his way up the tower.
Although Frollo tries to suppress his sexual attraction to Esmeralda, his desires just grow stronger and become more violent and destructive.
Themes
