The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Chapter 6 summary
Chapter 6 of 60 · Book 1 · 3 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 6, Gringoire struggles to finish his play as the fools’ procession takes away most spectators and his musicians. The announcement of Esmeralda draws the remaining audience to the windows, and a scholar takes the stage ladder, forcing Gringoire to abandon the performance and leave in anger.
What happens
- Gringoire keeps his actors performing, but Quasimodo, Coppenole, and the departing procession draw most of the audience away.
- He places hope in the remaining spectators, discovers his musicians are gone, and overhears townspeople discussing rent rather than his play.
- A scholar announces Esmeralda in the Place, and everyone remaining rushes to the windows.
- Michel Giborne cannot enter as Jupiter because a scholar takes the ladder to see Esmeralda.
- Gringoire abandons the performance and descends the stairs, angrily complaining about the spectators and wondering what Esmeralda means.

Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Nuestra Señora de París, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
In this chapter
What to notice
The missing ladder makes the interruption final. A practical piece of stage equipment becomes essential to completing Gringoire’s story.
Quick check
Why does the scholar take the ladder?

Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Nuestra Señora de París, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan

15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free

















