The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Book 8, Chapter 4 summary
Book 8, Chapter 4 of 60 · 21 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 4, La Esmeralda lies chained in an underground cell until a priest visits, confesses his obsessive desire, and admits his role in her persecution. He offers escape together, but she rejects him after he claims Phœbus is dead and describes stabbing him.
What happens
- The narrator describes underground prisons before showing La Esmeralda chained, cold, and barely conscious beneath the courthouse.
- A hooded priest enters, says her execution is tomorrow, and reveals the face she associates with her suffering.
- He declares his love and recounts watching her, attempting her abduction, and denouncing her to the authorities.
- He describes witnessing her torture, shows his wounds, and begs her to escape with him.
- She demands news of Phœbus; the priest claims he is dead and describes driving the dagger into him.
- La Esmeralda pushes the priest away and refuses him; he leaves after repeating his claim about Phœbus.
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In this chapter
What to notice
La Esmeralda answers the priest’s claim that Phœbus is dead. Her response makes clear that his offer of survival cannot overcome her attachment to Phœbus.
Quick check
Why does the priest say he denounces La Esmeralda?
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