The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Book 7, Chapter 3 summary

What happens

1. Notre-Dame’s neighbors notice less enthusiastic ringing after Quasimodo’s punishment, while the narrator offers possible explanations for the change.
2. On a bright Feast of the Annunciation, Quasimodo climbs the northern tower and begins ringing six bells.
3. Unable to hear their music, he regains his happiness through their movement and urges each bell onward.
4. A young girl spreads a carpet in the square, and a small goat joins her as spectators gather.
5. Quasimodo abandons the bells to gaze tenderly at the dancer, leaving listeners near the Pont du Change disappointed.

In this chapter

What to notice

The dancer interrupts Quasimodo’s recovered delight in ringing. His immediate change of attention gives substance to the narrator’s question about a rival affection.

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