The Hunchback of Notre-dame

             "Love is a universal language." This popular quote
             from many movies and literary works describes the importance
             of love, and how there are no limits or barriers when
             dealing with love. Many people cannot even help whether or
             not they fall in love. There are many types of love and
             they need not be between members of opposite sexes. In
             Victor Hugo's novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame,
             Quasimodo's love for Esmerelda is not as strong as his
             different sense of love for the Archdeacon, Claude Frollo.
             Quasimodo loves each person in a different manner, but is
             The hunchback feels, among other things, a love
             described as Eros for the Mistress Esmerelda; whereas, for
             the Archdeacon the love he feels is known as Philia. While
             Quasimodo is drawn to Esmerelda by her inner beauty and
             personal qualities, he admires the Archdeacon for his
             powerful position in the social structure of the town.
             Throughout the story, Quasimodo does his best to protect
             Esmerelda. Contrarily, he is protected by the Archdeacon.
             There are four types of love, only one of which involves a
             man's physical love for a woman and vice versa. This type
             of love is known as Eros. It is defined as a relationship
             in which two parties are physically attracted to one
             another. Esmerelda, the gypsy, is quite beautiful. She
             dances in the midst of a crowd near a bonfire: "All eyes
             were fixed on her, all mouths hung open. As she danced to
             the rhythm of the tambourine which her round, delicate arms
             held over her head, she seemed to be some sort of
             supernatural creature(p.22). Quasimodo is taken by her
             loveliness just like most other men. However, because he is
             deformed and hideous, Quasimodo's physical attraction to the
             Mistress is unrequited. Nevertheless, this attraction is
             uncontrollable. Although he never acts upon his urges nor
             openly displays his affection, the hunchback feels the type
             of lo...

More Essays:

APA     MLA     Chicago
The Hunchback of Notre-dame. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 19:10, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/30117.html