The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is, as Clopin the puppeteer states, “a tale of a man and a monster.” But the question remains, “who is the monster and who is the man?” Prior to even watching the film, one assumes that Quasimodo, the hunchback, is the monster.  But is he really?

Denotatively, a monster is one that is ugly and terrifying. Though Quasimodo fits that description at first glance, he is more a man than most.  Quasi is quiet mannered and compassionate.  He aids numerous creatures in finding freedom and rids the city of evil.  His innocence shows through from the very first moment Quasi's face is first shown on screen.  It is bathed in rays of sunshine, showing that there is something natural and wholesome about him.  Furthermore he is always scaling the cathedral ending up at the tallest points.  With the low angles and the blue sky as the background, Quasi is more godlike than monstrous.  In fact, by the end of the film it is abundantly clear that Quasimodo is not and never was a monster.

The real monster is Judge Frollo.  Though judges are normally understanding due to the nature of their jobs, Frollo is an evil misanthrope.  Within the first four minutes of the film he has already committed second degree murder and is on the verge of stepping his game up to first degree murder.  Later in his life he lusts for Esmeralda, includes "hell fire" in his prayers, and ends up practically burning Paris to the ground.  In addition to his sadistic actions, the film also uses several techniques to amplify his evil tendencies.  Before Frollo comes into the frame is always bathed in shadows.  The judge also makes himself at home in places that most resemble hell, whether it be the Palace of Judgment or his own house filled with shadow and flames.  Even his attire of all black adds to his characterization as the true monster of Notre Dame.

The role reversal between Frollo, who is seemingly normal, and Quasimodo in the film teaches its audiences what truly constitutes being a man instead of a monster.  When a human is characterized as a monster it is because of the monster within, rather than a ghastly outer appearance.