The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Book 6, Chapter 4 summary

What happens

1. Quasimodo arrives at the pillory, where Michel Noiret announces his sentence and the crowd mocks his exposed body.
2. Pierrat Torterue whips him as the wheel turns, stopping when a bailiff signals that the allotted time ends.
3. Quasimodo remains bound for an additional hour while spectators insult him and throw stones.
4. Claude Frollo approaches on a mule but avoids acknowledging Quasimodo, whose hopeful smile becomes bitter.
5. After three desperate requests for water, Quasimodo receives a drink from the gypsy and sheds a tear.
6. The crowd applauds her kindness, but the recluse curses her from her cell.

In this chapter

What to notice

The simple physical relief contrasts with the crowd’s elaborate cruelty. The gypsy answers a need that everyone else mocks or ignores.

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