Victor Hugo

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Sophie Trébuchet

Général Joseph-Leopold Sigisbert Hugo

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Portrait de Victor Hugo sur fond de Notre-Dame de Reims - Jean Alaux

Achille Devéria, Victor Hugo, 1829, NGA 208390

Monsieur Madeleine par Gustave Brion

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Victor Hugo (26 February 1802 – 22 May 1885) was a French poet, novelist, and dramatist of the Romantic movement. Hugo is considered to be one of the greatest and best-known French writers. His work touches upon most of the political and social issues and the artistic trends of his time. His most famous works include Les Misérables (1862) and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (Notre-Dame de Paris, 1831), both of which have been adapted into numerous films and musicals.

Biography

Victor Marie Hugo was born in Besançon, France, in 1802. He was the son of Joseph Léopold Sigisbert Hugo, a general in the Napoleonic army, and Sophie Trébuchet, a devoted Catholic and royalist. His childhood was marked by the political and social upheavals of the time, influencing his later works and political views. Hugo studied law, but he was more interested in literature, and by the age of 20, he had already published his first collection of poetry.

In 1822, Hugo married Adèle Foucher, with whom he had five children. His early work as a writer was marked by a prolific output in poetry, drama, and fiction, reflecting the romanticism movement's ideals, which emphasized individualism, freedom, and emotion.

Literary Career

Hugo's literary career can be divided into several periods. The first period, up to around 1843, was marked by his success in poetry and the publication of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, which was a great public success. This novel was significant for its portrayal of the medieval Paris and its critique of the society that marginalizes its outcasts.

The second period was marked by his political involvement and exile. After Napoleon III's coup d'état in 1851, Hugo declared him a traitor to France and was forced into exile, which lasted 19 years, mostly spent on the islands of Jersey and Guernsey. During this time, he wrote some of his best-known works, including Les Misérables, a novel that presents a panoramic view of Parisian society and criticizes the social injustices of the 19th century.

The final period of his life was marked by his return to France, where he was received as a national hero. He continued to write, focusing on poetry and political essays until his death in 1885.

Legacy

Victor Hugo's impact on literature and society is immeasurable. His works have inspired countless adaptations in film, television, and theatre. Hugo was not only a master of words but also an advocate for social justice, campaigning for the abolition of the death penalty and fighting for the rights of the oppressed. His work remains relevant, and his voice continues to inspire those who fight for freedom and equality.

Selected Works

• The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (1831)
• Les Misérables (1862)
• The Last Day of a Condemned Man (1829)
• Toilers of the Sea (1866)
• Ninety-Three (1874)

See Also

• Romanticism
• French literature
• History of France