The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Book 9, Chapter 1 summary
Book 9, Chapter 1 of 60 · 17 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, Claude Frollo flees Paris in anguish over la Esmeralda, whom he believes condemned to death, and wanders until his surroundings become terrifying visions. He returns to Notre-Dame seeking shelter, but encounters her with her goat on the tower and retreats in fear, convinced he sees a ghost.
What happens
- Claude leaves Notre-Dame, crosses the Seine, and flees into the fields while crowds hurry toward the expected hanging.
- He recognizes his hatred as damaged love, envies Phœbus and the crowd, and refuses to repent.
- After wandering all day, he returns toward Paris and mistakes the riverside buildings for a vision of hell.
- He sees Jehan drinking with a courtesan, hides from him, and returns to Notre-Dame.
- The church seems monstrous, and a passage in its breviary deepens his terror rather than comforting him.
- At midnight, he encounters la Esmeralda and her goat on the tower, takes her for an apparition, and retreats downstairs.
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In this chapter
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What does Claude believe when he sees la Esmeralda on the tower?
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