The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Chapter 7 summary
Chapter 7 of 60 · Book 2 · 13 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 7, Pierre Gringoire discovers that la Esmeralda marries him only to prevent his hanging, and she firmly refuses his romantic advances. Their conversation reveals her guarded origins, her protective amulet, and her interest in the name Phoebus, before she withdraws with her goat and leaves Gringoire sleeping on a chest.
What happens
- Gringoire assumes marriage means affection, but Esmeralda escapes his embrace and confronts him with a dagger while her goat guards her.
- Esmeralda explains that she only means to save his life, and Gringoire promises to respect her wishes in exchange for food.
- She rejects him as husband and lover, allows possible friendship, and says love requires a man who can protect her.
- Questions about her origins reveal little, but she shows a guarded amulet and recalls arriving in Paris the previous year.
- Gringoire recounts his hardships and learning, but Esmeralda asks instead about the meaning of Phoebus.
- Esmeralda and Djali disappear behind a bolted door, leaving Gringoire to settle on a wooden chest.
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Why does Esmeralda say she marries Gringoire?
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