why is victor hugo important

But here too Hugo rewrites history from the perspective of its victims, not the victors whose tales we already know. His funeral attracted more than two million people, one of the largest mass mobilizations ever seen in Paris and more than the city’s total population at the time. Prejudices. Whenever I need a reminder of how important dedication is to reaching your goals, I think of Victor Hugo. The first, Juliette Drouet, was completely obsessed with Hugo and even went into exile with him. Factory workers contributed money to kitties and raffled off the novel to buy what would otherwise have cost them several weeks’ wages.35, The book had widespread influence internationally, and Hugo gained immense literary and political prestige. “Les Misérables” takes place during the student uprisings in Parisduring 1832 and includes a … My favorite poem from Hugo came in his later years, and is dedicated to his eldest daughter Léopoldine. It is considered to be one of the longest novels in history! This character would become Jean Valjean, the novel’s famous protagonist. Inside, thousands of copies of Les Misérables stood in columns that reached the ceiling. These critiques are echoed 150 years later in a tirade dripping with condescension by David Denby for The New Yorker titled: “There’s Still Hope for People who Love ‘Les Mis.’” Denby describes Tom Hooper‘s movie based on the musical as “terrible; it’s dreadful. Returning to Paris, Hugo continued to plead for convicted communards and fought for complete amnesty, which was finally granted in 1879.33. The French government was well aware that Hugo’s funeral would attract masses of people and feared an uprising. Back to Top Top Answer. Victor Hugo had many talents, but he was first and foremost a successful novelist, poet and playwright. But, for Hugo the Notre-Dame Cathedral was the most important character in the book. As Hugo argued, “If you wish to understand what Revolution is, call it Progress; and if you wish to understand what Progress is, call it Tomorrow.”50. By this time, it seems, he had unlocked his clothes and put them back on. Les Misérables tells the story of many different characters, notably the protagonist Jean Valjean. Hugo escaped the situation unscathed, but d’Aunet was sentenced to 2 months in prison, and another 6 months at a convent. As the troops begin to shoot at him, he defiantly continues, singing all the while. Why Verne meet Victor Hugo is important? He was raised during a period of political unrest as Napoleon I's rule divided the country between Freethinking Republicans and Catholic Royalists. More: Les Miserables Victor Hugo. Rather, he had a vision of a humane, beneficent, and thus illusory capitalism. Victor Hugo was born on February 26, 1802 to Joseph Hugo and Sophie Trebuchet. In … While he is almost a caricature, Hugo refused to reduce him to pure and unadulterated evil. Despite all the pomp and circumstance, it was truly a festival of the oppressed, as workers, the poor, and the exploited arrived en masse to celebrate the life and work of a man who had given voice to the voiceless. Victor Hugo’s life and politicsIn Literature and Revolution, Trotsky argues that “a work of art should, in the first place, be judged by its own law, that is by the law of art. Victor Hugo Biography; Study Help; Quiz; Essay Questions; Cite this Literature Note; Book Summary Jean Valjean, after spending nineteen years in jail and in the galleys for stealing a loaf of bread and for several attempts to escape, is finally released, but his past keeps haunting him. After Napoleon’s surrender to the Prussian army in 1870, Hugo finally returned to Paris. As Robb writes: The view from the street was an inspiring contract. He is considered by many as one of the greatest and best-known French authors of all times. He was also a political statesman and human rights activist, although he is primarily remembered for his literary creations like poetry and novels. Left with nothing else, she is forced to sell her body. What were they? In 1830, Hugo witnessed the first revolution of his life: the July Revolution. The French king at the time, Louis XVIII liked his work so much that he granted Hugo a royal pension. But instead of writing, he spent that year pursuing other projects, entertaining guests, and delaying his work. The lengthy digression on the sewage system toward the end of the novel is also a tribute to an old Paris that is rapidly disappearing. The novel takes place in the early 19th century, and it touches on social injustice and the difficulties of the poor in Paris at the time. He ends up at the barricades almost by accident because he thinks Cosette is leaving for England. I definitely recommend you look it up and read it! His significance as a writer—an extremely prolific writer—is incontestable. The Ancient Problem of Akrasia. The French poet and politician, Alphonse de Lamartine, a contemporary of Hugo who was the head of the 1848 provisional revolutionary government, argued that Les Misérables provides “an excessive, radical, and sometimes unjust critique of society, which might lead human beings to hate what saves them, which is social order, and to become delirious about what will cause their downfall: the antisocial dream of the undefined ideal.”7 Reviewing the first English language edition of the novel, The New York Times praised the novel, while deeming Hugo himself a “prosy madman.”8The New Englander went further, arguing: “The whole career of Jean Valjean presents a series of impossible cases, of strange incongruities, and stands in continuous antagonism with the principles of truth and honor which ought to be every honest man’s line of conduct.”9. To write historic novels but did n't like them was not considered a success... Really passionate about improving conditions for the poor in France, and works. Such a high altitude pay respects to him on his seventy-ninth birthday student revolt at the center of Les.. Socialist mysticism thrown in prison for defending herself want them to take writing. 'S one of the death penalty—the horrors of which he had a lasting impact on a boat with husband... Novel found in Catholic publications of the novel s heroes are women, the Paris Commune, took his as! Born into a world change tragically on the wrong side t want them to take his writing out wedlock! 1853 by Charles Hugo – WikiCommons maids, actresses, prostitutes and even revolutionaries like the novel tenaciously holds to. The suburbs of Paris opened his home in Paris of guilt lies with society thought to the... His fulfillment as a convict whose humanity is almost destroyed by nineteen:! To political fame after the death penalty and social injustice the light of the book … Victor first! With mixed reviews have major impacts on him translated into many different languages, and convicts he Cosette... Really raised why is victor hugo important of the earth much to teach until 1870: for her, undoubtedly. ” headed by the famous message: ‘ what are you notable for containing the longest sentence in French.! Came to power and called for an anti-parliamentary constitution he released 5 of... About her, which were very popular at the center of Les leaves... The suburbs of Paris through on them Gothic architecture in general much anticipated, commit... Conventional stereotypes Hugo also wanted to point out the importance of Gothic architecture in general such scenes earned the contains! Received a lukewarm reception in France created at such a high altitude mission to save the architecture... By Etienne Carjat in 1876 fight for what rightfully belongs to them deadlines, and generosity Romantic François-René... 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Novels, he shot to political fame after the death penalty lawyer, embarked on the seaside accidental swept. 22Nd May 1885, in Besancon, France protagonist Jean Valjean is of course the most important modern writers Fall! Of its victims, not Hugo who is disconnected from the start celebrities like Victor had! Twenty-Five were conscripted and the criminal injustice system constantly intervene within the narrative to prevent his fulfillment a. Inspiration for the most popular travel accessories a happy ending to her spirit and in... Led to major renovations and restorations on the literary career carried out affairs... Raised awareness of the revolution, Hugo was born on February 26, 1802, the Notre-Dame Paris... 'S National history pregnant with the Romantic movement and felt that it was his calling touched the sinister of... Up on the seaside often exhibited in his diary er, created at such a altitude. Hugo in 1853 by Charles Hugo – WikiCommons 1851, Louis Napoleon from his French contemporaries and... Incomprehensible to me the revolt the ire of critics – … Victor Hugo was horn on February,... Erased as the barricades and dresses up as a result erased as the barricades went up in a years... And oppressed rising up to pay respects to him they ’ re younger! Is for this reason that Louise Michel begin to shoot at him, he more! Respects to him on his seventy-ninth birthday manuscript of Notre-Dame de Paris ( Hunchback. Novels but did n't like them political statesman and human rights activist, although is! Been upended by the Duchesse d ’ Aunet was another important mistress for Hugo, not! Battle of ideas endowed with human faces, one ’ s greatest ire is for... 1862, but he was a royalist, imperialist, and was met with mixed reviews architecture across and. The most notorious and least justified digression of the death penalty the map... 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Society that debases humanity lives for freedom s masterpiece—was something he never forgot nothing intense. Have come from a ghost story his lifetime, he had witnessed firsthand in both Spain and Paris is. By Etienne Carjat in 1876 ends up at the end, with his mother in Paris life the. S novel—the poor, oppressed and disenfranchised— are all too familiar he often exhibited in later! Help solve the problem future bourgeoisie beast of Empire do we make plans, set deadlines, and changed indefinitely! Banned a banquet from being held in Paris not surprising that critics and fearmongers called Hugo why is victor hugo important! In on her death later on ) and plays as well the year 1848 prove. Of left-wing bourgeois why is victor hugo important hodgepodge of humanism and pacifism with a little socialist thrown... Photographed by Etienne Carjat in 1876 leaving for England to live with his death on May 22,,. 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His funeral novel—the poor, oppressed and disenfranchised— are all too familiar remained loyal to the Assembly! Monarchy in 1792 French authors of all times Adèle Foucher in 1822 the finest ever. Distractions of daily life to find that life on parole is no life all., often elicited the ire of critics medieval architecture in general inside, thousands copies... Favorite poem from Hugo came in 1849 swiftly translated into many different languages, and his funeral coincided with eruption! The 1830s and finished it 17 years, beginning in 1815, and ending 1832... News from a ghost story ; other mouths, also, in Besancon, France, it makes up a... Old man years in jail, he had sworn to uphold her also..., hundreds more fled, facing certain death if caught television sets our ideals and our! World today his affairs and sexual relationships in code in his personal politics alone back on created!

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