The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Chapter 5 summary

What happens

1. Coppenole organizes a face-making contest at the chapel window, while the cardinal withdraws with his attendants.
2. Gringoire insists that his actors continue, but his only remaining spectator, Renauld Chateau, is dozing.
3. The crowd elects Quasimodo, then discovers that his winning expression is his natural face.
4. Women accuse Quasimodo of wickedness, and he throws a mocking scholar into the crowd.
5. Coppenole discovers Quasimodo’s deafness, and an old woman explains that ringing bells causes it.
6. The revelers dress Quasimodo as Pope of Fools and carry him away, visibly pleased by his elevated position.

In this chapter

What to notice

The revelation separates Quasimodo from contestants who deliberately distort their faces. His ordinary appearance wins him public honor while also exposing him to ridicule.

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