The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Book 4, Chapter 1 summary
Book 4, Chapter 1 of 60 · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, a deformed child abandoned at Notre-Dame draws a crowd whose religious talk turns into demands that he be burned. A young priest, Claude Frollo, adopts the child and carries him away, replacing the crowd’s threatened violence with protection while drawing an accusation of sorcery.
What happens
- On Quasimodo Sunday in 1467, an abandoned child lies on the bed for foundlings at Notre-Dame.
- Four women from a religious sisterhood mock his appearance and question whether he is human.
- Dame Aloïse de Gondelaurier expresses disgust but drops a silver coin into the alms basin.
- Robert Mistricolle calls the child demonic, predicts disasters, and supports the suggestion of burning him.
- A young priest adopts the child and carries him through the door leading to the cloister.
- Jehanne identifies the priest as Claude Frollo and calls him a sorcerer.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Claude Frollo’s brief declaration stops the crowd’s movement toward violence. He treats the boy as a child needing care rather than a supernatural threat.
Quick check
What does Claude Frollo do when he approaches the abandoned child?
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