The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Book 8, Chapter 3 summary
Book 8, Chapter 3 of 60 · 5 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 3, the accused girl returns to court, where Charmolue announces her confession and treats her goat’s imitation of him as evidence of Satan’s presence. Impatient judges reject her lawyer’s attempt to secure a fine and sentence both girl and goat to hanging, while she struggles to believe what she hears.
What happens
- The girl returns pale and limping, and the audience welcomes the resumption of proceedings.
- Charmolue announces her confession, while she begs for a quick death rather than answering the charges.
- The goat imitates Charmolue’s gestures, and he presents its behavior as proof of Satan’s involvement.
- Charmolue requests compensation, a public apology, and execution; the defense lawyer asks for a fine under an old law.
- The hurried judges vote, and the president sentences the girl and goat to hanging.
- The girl calls the sentence a dream as rough hands carry her away.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, 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
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
What to notice
Bohemian girl’s response expresses desperation rather than a detailed admission. The court nevertheless proceeds on the announced confession.
Quick check
What does the defense lawyer ask the court to impose?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, 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
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
