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When did Victor Hugo start writing?
Hugo began writing as a very young man, with his first publication coming in 1822, the same year as his marriage. His first collection of poetry, titled Odes et poésies diverses was published when he was only 20 years old.
What is Victor Hugo style of writing?
Hugo also developed his own brand of imaginative realism, a literary style that combines realistic elements with exaggerated symbolism. In this style, each character represents a significant social issue of the time.
When was Victor Hugo's Les Misérables written?
1862Les MisérablesJean Valjean under the alias Monsieur Madeleine, illustration by Gustave Brion.AuthorVictor HugoPublisherA. Lacroix, Verboeckhoven & Cie.Publication date1862Pages1,4624 more rows
Who is the greatest French writer?
Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870). Arguably the best French writer of all time. Dumas was of mixed race—his grandmother had once been a slave in Haiti, and his father was one of Napoleon's generals. Since the early 20th century, his novels have been adapted into nearly 200 movies.
What is Victor Hugos most famous poem?
Demain dès l'aubeLearn the short famous French poem “Demain dès l'aube” by Victor Hugo + English translation. Learn French with classic French poetry. One the best-known masterpieces of Victor Hugo, “Demain dès l'aube” is an enigmatic poem. First, the poet takes us for a walk through Normandy's countryside.
Is Les Mis a banned book?
LES MISERABLES FREED; Vatican Removes Hugo Novel From List of Banned Books - The New York Times.
Why is Les Misérables so good?
The most amazing set on stage One of the reasons Les Misérables makes such an impact on audiences all over the world is the incredible set and the iconic barricade which acts as the back drop for the majority of the second half of the show always brings the drama to life.
How do you say Les Misérables in French?
0:050:23How to Pronounce Les Misérables? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe correct pronunciation of les miserables in french or in english lay miserable silent s leMoreThe correct pronunciation of les miserables in french or in english lay miserable silent s le miserable les miserables.
What genre is Victor Hugo?
Victor Hugo was an influential proponent of Romanticism. In a preface to his verse play Cromwell (1827), he called for a drama of action—which he saw as appropriate to modern man, the battleground of matter and spirit—that could transcend Classical categories and mix the sublime and the grotesque.
What was Victor Hugo known for?
Victor Hugo is a celebrated French Romantic author best known for his poetry and his novels, including 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' and 'Les Misérables.
What is the point of view of Les Misérables?
point of view The story is told from the perspective of an omniscient narrator who frequently addresses us. The narrator not only knows what the characters are thinking at all times but also has a detailed grasp of contemporary politics and society.
What is the theme of Les Misérables?
Les Misérables is a show about courage, love, heartbreak, passion, and the resilience of the human spirit—themes which undoubtedly transcend time and place. Perhaps the most relevant themes, however, are related to the dignity of the human person.
How old was Hugo when he wrote his first poem?
His first collection of poetry ( Odes et poésies diverses) was published in 1822 when he was only 20 years old and earned him a royal pension from Louis XVIII. Though the poems were admired for their spontaneous fervor and fluency, the collection that followed four years later in 1826 ( Odes et Ballades) revealed Hugo to be a great poet, a natural master of lyric and creative song.
Who was Victor Hugo?
Victor-Marie Hugo ( French: [viktɔʁ maʁi yɡo] ( listen); 26 February 1802 – 22 May 1885) was a French poet, novelist, essayist, playwright, and dramatist of the Romantic movement. During a literary career that spanned more than sixty years, he wrote abundantly in an exceptional variety of genres: lyrics, satires, epics, philosophical poems, ...
How long did Hugo and Léopoldine live together?
Despite their respective affairs, they lived together for nearly 46 years until she died in August 1868. Hugo, who was still banished from France, was unable to attend her funeral in Villequier where their daughter Léopoldine was buried.
What did Hugo do in 1845?
On the nomination of King Louis-Philippe, Hugo entered the Upper Chamber of Parliament as a pair de France in 1845, where he spoke against the death penalty and social injustice, and in favour of freedom of the press and self-government for Poland.
What did Hugo believe?
Throughout his life Hugo kept believing in unstoppable humanistic progress. In his last public address on 3 August 1879 he prophesied in an over-optimistic way, "In the twentieth century war will be dead, the scaffold will be dead, hatred will be dead, frontier boundaries will be dead, dogmas will be dead; man will live."
Why did Hugo keep his art out of the public eye?
Hugo kept his artwork out of the public eye, fearing it would overshadow his literary work. However, he enjoyed sharing his drawings with his family and friends, often in the form of ornately handmade calling cards, many of which were given as gifts to visitors when he was in political exile. Some of his work was shown to, and appreciated by, contemporary artists such as van Gogh and Delacroix; the latter expressed the opinion that if Hugo had decided to become a painter instead of a writer, he would have outshone the artists of their century.
What is Hugo's most famous work?
Outside France, his most famous works are the novels Les Misérables, 1862, and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (French: Notre-Dame de Paris ), 1831. In France, Hugo is renowned for his poetry collections, such as Les Contemplations ( The Contemplations) and La Légende des siècles ( The Legend of the Ages ).
When was Hugo's first novel published?
His first novel was published in 1823, followed by a number of plays. Hugo's innovative brand of Romanticism developed over the first decade of his career. In 1831, he published one of his most enduring works, Notre-Dame de Paris ( The Hunchback of Notre Dame ).
What is Victor Hugo known for?
Victor Hugo is a celebrated French Romantic author best known for his poetry and his novels, including 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' and 'Les Misérables.'
What did Hugo do?
Hugo studied law between 1815 and 1818, though he never committed himself to legal practice. Encouraged by his mother, Hugo embarked on a career in literature. He founded the Conservateur Litteraire, a journal in which he published his own poetry and the work of his friends. His mother died in 1821.
What happened to Victor Hugo?
In 1878, he was stricken with cerebral congestion. Hugo and his mistress, Juliette, continued to live in Paris for the rest of their lives. The street on which he lived was renamed Avenue Victor Hugo on the occasion of his 80th birthday in 1882. Juliette died the following year and Hugo died in Paris on May 22, 1885.
What period is the novel The Hunchback set in?
Set in the medieval period, the novel presents a harsh criticism of the society that degrades and shuns the hunchback, Quasimodo. This was Hugo's most celebrated work to date and paved the way for his subsequent political writing.
What was Hugo's legacy?
Death and Legacy. Though Hugo returned to France after 1870 as a symbol of republican triumph, his later years were largely sad. He lost two sons between 1871 and 1873. His later works are somewhat darker than his earlier writing, focusing on themes of God, Satan and death.
What was Hugo's most famous work?
Much of the work that Hugo published during this period conveys biting sarcasm and fierce social criticism. Among these works is the novel Les Misérables, which was finally published in 1862. The book was an immediate success in Europe and the United States.
Poet, novelist, and voice of the French Romantic Movement
Amanda Prahl is a playwright, lyricist, freelance writer, and university instructor. Her history and arts writing has been featured on Slate, HowlRound, and BroadwayWorld.
Early Life
Born in Besançon in Franche-Comté, a region in eastern France, Hugo was the third son born to Joseph Léopold Sigisbert Hugo and Sophie Trébuchet Hugo. He had two older brothers: Abel Joseph Hugo (born 1798) and Eugène Hugo (born 1800). Hugo’s father was a general in the French army and a fervent supporter of Napoleon.
Literary Styles and Themes
Hugo covered a wide variety of literary themes throughout his career, ranging from politically charged content to much more personal writings. In the latter category, he wrote several of his most acclaimed poems about his daughter’s untimely death and his own grief.
Death
Hugo returned to France in 1870, but his life was never quite the same. He suffered a series of personal tragedies: the death of his wife and two sons, the loss of his daughter to an asylum, the death of his mistress, and he suffered a stroke himself.
Legacy
Victor Hugo is widely considered an icon of French literature and culture, to the point where many French cities have streets or squares named after him. He is, certainly, among the most recognizable French writers, and his works continue to be widely read, studied, and adapted in the modern day.
Sources
Davidson, A.F. Victor Hugo: His Life and Work. University Press of the Pacific, 1912.
When was Victor Hugo published?
Victor Hugo by Bertall, 1867 – WikiCommons. Notre-Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre-Dame in English) was published in 1830, and was swiftly translated into many other languages. The story is set in 15th century Paris, and tells the tale of Quasimodo and Esmeralda.
How old was Hugo when he wrote his first novel?
If we consider Hugo’s success, his father may have been right! Hugo completed his first novel, Han d’Islande (Hans of Iceland in English) when he was 21 years old, in 1823. His second, Bug-Jargal was completed 3 years later.
Why was the Hunchback of Notre-Dame published?
The goal behind the publication of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame was ultimately to raise awareness of the decrepit state of the massive cathedral in Paris. Hugo also wanted to point out the importance of Gothic architecture in general. At the time of writing, the Notre-Dame Cathedral had fallen into disrepair.
How long did Hugo live in exile?
Hugo lived in exile from 1855 until 1870. While he was exiled, he published pamphlets and completed and published Les Misérables. Not to mention his drawings!
How long was Victor Hugo in exile?
Victor Hugo spent 15 years in exile. Victor Hugo while in exile by Charles Hugo – WikiCommons. In 1841, Hugo was elected to the Académie Française, a French council that holds authority over the French language and all matters concerning it.
What are some interesting facts about Victor Hugo?
Top 10 interesting facts about Victor Hugo. Victor Hugo just may be the most famous French writer in history! His stories have been reproduced into plays , musicals and feature length films, and he has become a household name. He was also involved in politics and he fought against social injustice. He helped to save the Notre-Dame Cathedral, ...
Why did Victor Hugo write Notre-Dame de Paris?
3. Victor Hugo wrote the Notre-Dame de Paris in an attempt to save the cathedral. First page of the manuscript of Notre-Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo.
What was Hugo's influence on the world?
Hugo's influence extended beyond the world of literature. Many of his writings, including peasant Jean Valjean's quest for redemption after being jailed for stealing bread in Les Miserables, explored politics, poverty, justice and moral philosophy. But he also used his status for push for social change.
Who was Hugo's wife?
Hugo married wife Adele Foucher in October 1822 and the couple lived together for nearly 46 years until her death.
What did the author do when he locked himself in an empty room?
The author removed his clothes and locked himself in an empty room with nothing but a pen and paper to distract him.
Where was the most famous work of French literature written?
It means arguably the most famous work of French literature was actually written in Britain.
Who is the author of Les Miserables?
Victor Hugo: Five things you didn’t know about the French author of Les Miserables. Considered one of the greatest French authors of all time, Victor Hugo cemented his place in the literary canon with The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and his epic historical novel Les Miserables. Born in 1802, three-years after Napoleon seized power, ...
Is Hugo a saint?
Hugo is venerated as a saint in the Vietnamese religion of Cao Dai, which blends Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity. The religious movement was founded in 1926, four decades after his death, with the French writer one of the first among its pantheon of saints.
What are some interesting facts about Victor Hugo?
February 26, 2018. Wikimedia Commons. French novelist Victor Hugo is best known for writing Les Misérables, the sweeping story of wrongly-accused fugitive Jean Valjean, and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, which he probably couldn't guess would one day become an animated Disney film.
Why did Hugo write in the nude?
HE WROTE IN THE NUDE. Perhaps the lack of inhibitions was genetic. As an adult, Hugo would attempt to combat writer’s block by asking his servants to take his clothing and leave him in a room, nude and without distraction. His clothing would only be returned if he had finished writing for the day.
How many times did Hugo have a wife?
HE WAS SEXUALLY INSATIABLE. Amorous in the extreme, Hugo once boasted of having relations with wife Adele nine times on their wedding night. After she begged off on any further copulation years into their marriage, Hugo bedded hundreds of women. Age did not slow him down, either.
How long did Hugo spend in exile?
But Hugo, who was born on February 26, 1802, had a life beyond his writing: He was a very accomplished artist, rendering thousands of illustrations, mostly for private exhibition, and spent 15 years in exile for butting heads with Napoleon.
Who were Hugo's parents?
Hugo’s parents, Leopold and Sophie, were 3000 feet above sea level on Mount Donon when inspiration struck in May 1801. (Leopold, a major, had been battling a rash of smugglers in the mountains.) The elder Hugo was fond of telling his son that his life was destined to be unique as a result, and he was right. Today, the precise location of Hugo’s conception is marked with a stone tablet: “IN THIS PLACE / ON 5 FLOREAL, YEAR 9 / VICTOR HUGO / WAS CONCEIVED."
Is the musical Les Miserables inspired by the French Revolution?
The storming of the Bastille in 1789 marked the start of the French Revolution. Les Misérables’ main events take place in the year 1832. This is a different century. The Orléanist monarchy had been installed on the throne two years before, under the popular “Citizen King” Louis-Philippe, after the July Revolution.
Is Les Miserables more realism or romanticism?
Realism developed as a response to Romanticism, which approached themes idealistically. The central character of Les Miserables, Jean Valjean, is a humanization of Romanticism. The interest in regular people is a Romantic trait, and Valjean is precisely that: an ordinary guy.
Is Eponine a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional character?
Eponine is a dynamic character because, once her family’s company goes bankrupt, she is no longer the same gorgeous and spoilt child.
How did Jean Valjean get wealthy?
After 19 years in jail, Jean Valjean comes in the town of Digne. He has money for food and shelter, but since he is an ex-con, no one will take him in. Valjean relocates to Montreuil-sur-mer, where he becomes wealthy after discovering a new method of producing black jade glass.
Is Les Miserables coming to an end in London?
After a 33-year run, the original London production is coming to an end this month. When it returns, a popular feature will be missing. LONDON, UK — For the last six months, a drama with all the heightened emotions of a musical has been performing in London’s West End.
How long has Les Miserables been on the stage?
What is the duration of Les Misérables? Les Mis runs at 2 hours and 50 minutes, with one intermission. Les Mis runs from Monday to Saturday at 7.30 p.m., with matinees at 2.30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Overview
Political life and exile
After three unsuccessful attempts, Hugo was finally elected to the Académie française in 1841, solidifying his position in the world of French arts and letters. A group of French academicians, particularly Étienne de Jouy, were fighting against the "romantic evolution" and had managed to delay Victor Hugo's election. Thereafter, he became increasingly involved in French politics.
Early life
Victor-Marie Hugo was born on 26 February 1802 in Besançon in Eastern France. He was the youngest son of Joseph Léopold Sigisbert Hugo (1774–1828) a general in the Napoleonic army, and Sophie Trébuchet (1772–1821); the couple had two more sons: Abel Joseph (1798–1855) and Eugène (1800–1837). The Hugo family came from Nancy in Lorraine where Victor Hugo's grandfather was a wood merchant. Léopold enlisted in the army of Revolutionary France at fourte…
Career
Hugo published his first novel the year following his marriage (Han d'Islande, 1823), and his second three years later (Bug-Jargal, 1826). Between 1829 and 1840, he published five more volumes of poetry (Les Orientales, 1829; Les Feuilles d'automne, 1831; Les Chants du crépuscule, 1835; Les Voix intérieures, 1837; and Les Rayons et les Ombres, 1840), cementing his reputation as one o…
Religious views
Hugo's religious views changed radically over the course of his life. In his youth and under the influence of his mother, he identified as a Catholic and professed respect for Church hierarchy and authority. From there he became a non-practising Catholic and increasingly expressed anti-Catholic and anti-clerical views. He frequented spiritism during his exile (where he participated also in many séances conducted by Madame Delphine de Girardin) and in later years settled into a rati…
Relationship with music
Although Hugo's many talents did not include exceptional musical ability, he nevertheless had a great impact on the music world through the inspiration that his works provided for composers of the 19th and 20th centuries. Hugo himself particularly enjoyed the music of Gluck and Weber. In Les Misérables, he calls the huntsman's chorus in Weber's Euryanthe, "perhaps the most beautiful piece of music ever composed". He also greatly admired Beethoven, and rather unusually for his …
Declining years and death
When Hugo returned to Paris in 1870, the country hailed him as a national hero. He was confident that he would be offered the dictatorship, as shown by the notes he kept at the time: "Dictatorship is a crime. This is a crime I am going to commit", but he felt he had to assume that responsibility. Despite his popularity, Hugo lost his bid for re-election to the National Assembly in 1872.
Drawings
Hugo produced more than 4,000 drawings. Originally pursued as a casual hobby, drawing became more important to Hugo shortly before his exile when he made the decision to stop writing to devote himself to politics. Drawing became his exclusive creative outlet between 1848 and 1851.
Hugo worked only on paper, and on a small scale; usually in dark brown or black pen-and-ink wash, sometimes with touches of white, and rarely with colour. The surviving drawings are surprisingl…
Early Life
Early Poetry and Plays
- Hugo began writing as a very young man, with his first publication coming in 1822, the same year as his marriage. His first collection of poetry, titled Odes et poésies diverses was published when he was only 20 years old. The poems were so admired for their elegant language and passion that they came to the attention of the king, Louis XVIII, and ...
First Novel and Further Writing
- In 1831, Notre-Dame de Paris, known in English as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, was published; it was Hugo’s first full-length novel. It became a huge hit and was quickly translated into other languages for readers across Europe. The novel’s biggest legacy, though, was much more than literary. Its popularity led to a surge of interest in the real Notre Dame cathedralin Paris, which h…
Writing While in Exile
- Hugo eventually settled in Guernsey, a small island under British jurisdiction in the English Channel off the French coast of Normandy. Although he did continue to write political content, including several anti-Napoleon pamphlets that were banned in France yet still managed to make an impact, Hugo went back to his roots with poetry. He produced three volumes of poetry: Les C…
Literary Styles and Themes
- Hugo covered a wide variety of literary themes throughout his career, ranging from politically charged content to much more personal writings. In the latter category, he wrote several of his most acclaimed poems about his daughter’s untimely death and his own grief. He expressed his concerns for the welfare of others and of historical institutions, with themes reflecting his own r…
Death
- Hugo returned to France in 1870, but his life was never quite the same. He suffered a series of personal tragedies: the death of his wife and two sons, the loss of his daughter to an asylum, the death of his mistress, and he suffered a stroke himself. In 1881, he was honored for his contributions to French society; a street in Paris was even renamed for him and bears his name t…
Legacy
- Victor Hugo is widely considered an icon of French literature and culture, to the point where many French cities have streets or squares named after him. He is, certainly, among the most recognizable French writers, and his works continue to be widely read, studied, and adapted in the modern day. In particular, his novels The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Misérableshave ha…
Sources
- Davidson, A.F. Victor Hugo: His Life and Work. University Press of the Pacific, 1912.
- Frey, John Andrew. A Victor Hugo Encyclopedia. Greenwood Press, 1999.
- Robb, Graham. Victor Hugo: A Biography. W. W. Norton & Company, 1998.