The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

Set in medieval Paris Victor Hugo&#146;s powerful historical romance <i>The Hunchback of Notre-Dame</i> has resonated with succeeding generations ever since its publication in 1837. It tells the story of the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda condemned as a witch by the tormented archdeacon Claude Frollo who lusts after her. Quasimodo the deformed bell ringer of Notre-Dame Cathedral having fallen in love with the kindhearted Esmeralda tries to save her by hiding her in the cathedral&#146;s tower. When a crowd of Parisian peasants misunderstanding Quasimodo&#146;s motives attacks the church in an attempt to liberate her the story ends in tragedy.