by hibathu naseer
one of the greatest writers of all time, victor-marie hugo was born on february 26, 1802 in besançon, france.
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During a literary career that spanned more than 60 years, Victor Hugo made his mark in a variety of genres. novels, lyrics, satires, epics, history, critical essays, political speeches, philosophical poems, epigrams, and plays, he explored it all. Hugo is considered one of the most eminent French writers. His works focus on most of the social and political issues and artistic trends of his time. he used his art to reform society. However, in addition to the literary field, Hugo was also passionate about art and produced more than 4,000 drawings. he was also very active in writing poetry. Hugo produced numerous novels that are revered as timeless classics.
here are some of the great books written by victor hugo:
1. hunchback of notre-dame
This extraordinary historical gothic novel is the haunting drama of Quasimodo, the hunchback, and Esmeralda, the gypsy dancer. It is set in medieval Paris under the twin towers of its supreme symbol, Notre-Dame Cathedral. The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is the greatest testament to Hugo’s brilliant imagination and storytelling ability. gives us one of the most loving representations of a city in literature.
2. the wretched ones
“the pupil dilates in the dark and finally finds the light, just as the soul dilates in misfortune and finally finds god.”
This harrowing tale of injustice, heroism, and love is considered Hugo’s magnum opus. Les Miserables tells the story of Jean Valjean, an escaped prisoner, determined to put his wrong past behind him. but his attempts to become an honest man and a respected member of the community are constantly threatened by his conscience. The story of Jean Valjean paints a clear picture of the lower and darker parts of French society in the first half of the nineteenth century. Victor Hugo takes the reader on a 1,200+ page journey through France and into the lives of criminals, prostitutes, those who languish under the strain of poverty.
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This book is also historically important because it captures the background to the Paris Rising of 1832. It is a deeply thoughtful story that challenged attitudes at the time in many ways. hugo offers elements for reflection on common ideas such as love, justice, spirituality and politics. there are many pearls of wisdom in les miserables, worth remembering:
“even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”
“To love another person is to see the face of God.”
“It’s nothing to die. it is dreadful not to live.”
“to love or to have loved, that is enough. ask anything else. there is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life.”
“the future has several names. for the weak it is impossible; for the faint-hearted, it is unknown; but for the brave, it is ideal.”
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3. the man who laughs
The Laughing Man was originally published in April 1869 under the title l’homme qui rit. The story, set in the 17th century, begins when a homeless boy named Gwynplaine rescues a girl during a snowstorm. her mother had frozen to death while she fed her. They meet a traveling carnival vendor who calls himself Ursus and his pet wolf, Homo. This book can be considered as one of Hugo’s unrecognized masterpieces. The writer took me deep into the culture of the time, the settings, the politics, and gave me a sense of everyday life.
4. the last day of a convict
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victor hugo wrote this novel to express his opinion that the death penalty should be abolished in france. the novel narrates the thoughts of a man condemned to die by capital punishment. The characters are very similar to those in Hugo’s novel Les Miserables.
5. the contemplations
Published in 1856, the collection of 156 poems in six books was written between 1841 and 1855. The collection was a tribute to his 19-year-old daughter, Leopoldine Hugo, who drowned in the Seine after her boat capsized.
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Hugo died of pneumonia on May 22, 1885, at the age of 83. More than 20 works by Hugo were published posthumously.
-hibathu naseer
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