The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Chapter 8 summary
Chapter 8 of 60 · Book 7 · 12 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 8, Claude Frollo watches Phœbus court la Esmeralda from a locked hiding place, then breaks out and stabs him as she embraces him. She faints and wakes among watchmen who accuse her of the attack, while the priest disappears and a riverside window stands open.
What happens
- Claude Frollo waits in a cramped recess and watches Phœbus enter the adjoining room with la Esmeralda.
- La Esmeralda declares her love, while Phœbus repeats practiced promises and gradually removes parts of her clothing.
- She asks about marriage, but Phœbus dismisses it and questions her love when she resists him.
- La Esmeralda offers herself without marriage, abandoning her concern for the amulet that she believes can restore her family.
- Claude breaks through the door and stabs Phœbus; la Esmeralda faints after seeing the attack.
- She wakes among watchmen who blame her, while Claude is gone and the window overlooking the river is open.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The attack ends the intimate meeting. La Esmeralda witnesses the violence but becomes the person accused of it.
Quick check
What do the watchmen accuse la Esmeralda of doing?
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