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Victor Hugo, a name associated with literary greatness, was a prolific and important writer of the nineteenth century. Hugo, born on February 26, 1802, in Besançon, France, dedicated his life and career to literature, politics, and social justice. His works range from novels to poems to plays, and each has left an unforgettable impression on the world of literature. In this blog post, we will go deeply into Victor Hugo's life and writings, examining the topics, style, and significance of this great author.

<h2 id="content-id-1603-0">Victor Hugo’s Early Life and Influences</h2>

<img loading="lazy" alt="Victor Hugo Nadar" src="https://study.kdcampus.live/admin/assets/uploads/ckeditor/Victor_Hugo_Nadar.webp" style="height:798px; width:600px">

[Source: Britannica]

To fully understand Victor Hugo, one must investigate the events that formed his early life and career. His parents, Sophie Trébuchet and Joseph-Léopold Hugo were important in shaping his personality and hobbies. His father, a Napoleonic army commander, exposed him to literature, while his mother promoted in him a love of art and music.

Also, Hugo's perspective was shaped by the volatile political scene of nineteenth-century France. Hugo had a great sense of social justice and a drive to advocate for the impoverished while growing up. During the French Revolution, the rise and fall of empires, and periods of political upheaval.

<h2 id="content-id-1603-1">Victor Hugo’s Notable Works</h2>

Les Misérables (1862): "Les Misérables," is perhaps Victor Hugo's most renowned work. It is a vast epic that examines issues of restoration, love, justice, and the human condition. Set against the backdrop of post-revolutionary France, the novel explores the lives of numerous people. "Les Misérables" dives into society's extremes, graphically illustrating the sufferings of the impoverished and oppressed while highlighting the power of compassion and sacrifice.

<img loading="lazy" alt="Victor Hugo les miserables" src="https://study.kdcampus.live/admin/assets/uploads/ckeditor/Victor_Hugo_les_miserables.webp" style="height:467px; width:300px">

[Source: Amazon]

If you want to read this book <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/48731">Click here</a>

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1831): Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (Notre Dame de Paris in French) is another renowned work. It is a haunting tale set against the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. In this story, we meet Quasimodo, the deformed bell ringer, and Esmeralda, a kind-hearted gypsy. Against the backdrop of a city on the verge of a societal revolution. 

<img loading="lazy" alt="Victor Hugo hunchback" src="https://study.kdcampus.live/admin/assets/uploads/ckeditor/Victor_Hugo_hunchback.webp" style="height:400px; width:300px">

[Source: Amazon]

Poetry: Hugo's contributions to poetry include "Les Contemplations" (1856) and "La Légende des siècles" (1859-1883). "Les Contemplations" is a collection of poems that shows his deep grief following the death of his daughter, Léopoldine. These poems capture his sorrow, longing, and contemplation, demonstrating his emotional range as a poet.

<img loading="lazy" alt="Victor Hugo les contemplations" src="https://study.kdcampus.live/admin/assets/uploads/ckeditor/Victor_Hugo_les_contemplations.webp" style="height:450px; width:300px">

[Source: Amazon]

The compilation "La Légende des siècles" (The Legend of the Ages), which covers numerous volumes, examines historical, moral, and spiritual subjects. Hugo dives into the majesty and frailty of humanity in these poems.

Plays:  Victor Hugo's theatrical works, like "Hernani" (1830) and "Ruy Blas" (1838), had a great impact. "Hernani" broke the traditional rules of French classical play, eliciting both praise and criticism. 

<img loading="lazy" alt="Victor Hugo hernani" src="https://study.kdcampus.live/admin/assets/uploads/ckeditor/Victor_Hugo_hernani.webp" style="height:450px; width:300px">

[Source: Amazon]

Another popular drama is "Ruy Blas," which portrays the narrative of a commoner who climbs to prominence only to fall victim to the aristocracy's intrigues. Hugo's investigation of socioeconomic class and power dynamics struck a chord with his contemporaries.

<h2 id="content-id-1603-2">List of books and works written by Victor Hugo</h2>

Victor Hugo, the well-known French writer, poet, and playwright, accomplished a magnificent work during his lifetime. Some of his most significant books and achievements include:

<ol>
	<li>
	Hernani (1830) 
	</li>
	<li>
	Notre-Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre-Dame) (1831)
	</li>
	<li>
	Les Misérables (1862) 
	</li>
	<li>
	Les Contemplations (1856)
	</li>
	<li>
	La Légende des siècles (The Legend of the Ages) (1859-1883) 
	</li>
	<li>
	Les Châtiments (The Punishments) (1853) 
	</li>
	<li>
	Les Travailleurs de la Mer (Toilers of the Sea) (1866) 
	</li>
	<li>
	William Shakespeare (1864) 
	</li>
	<li>
	L'Homme Qui Rit (The Man Who Laughs) (1869) 
	</li>
	<li>
	Quatrevingt-Treize (Ninety-Three) (1874) 
	</li>
	<li>
	Actes et Paroles (Deeds and Words) (1875) 
	</li>
	<li>
	Choses Vues (Things Seen) (1887)
	</li>
</ol>

These are some of Victor Hugo's most well-known works, but he also released a plethora of other novels, poems, plays, essays, and speeches during his prolific career. His literary achievements and influence on French and international literature are significant and long-lasting.

If you want to read his works <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/85">Click here</a>

<h2 id="content-id-1603-3">Victor Hugo's Style and Themes</h2>

Victor Hugo's writing style is characterized by its eloquence, vivid imagery, and a profound sense of empathy for his characters. He had a gift for creating complex, multi-dimensional characters and placing them in settings that mirrored the societal issues of his era.

Social Justice and Political Activism: Hugo's works frequently serve as a medium for his fervent support of social fairness and political transformation. He was a fervent supporter of human rights, and his writings usually shed light on the situation of the oppressed and destitute. His experiences during the June Rebellion of 1832, as well as his subsequent exile, strengthened his resolve to fight for justice and liberty.

Romanticism: Hugo championed the values of autonomy, emotion, and nature as a leading character of the Romantic movement. His compositions are characterized by heightened emotions and an appreciation of the sublime. Hugo's Romantic sensibilities ring through in both "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "Les Misérables," whether in the tragic love story or the dogged quest for justice.

Symbolism and Allegory: Hugo frequently used symbolism and allegory in his writings to communicate deeper meanings. For example, the Notre-Dame Cathedral in "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" serves as both a physical and symbolic backdrop, reflecting the soul of Paris itself. Similarly, Jean Valjean in "Les Misérables" represents the quest for redemption as well as the capacity for virtue in the face of misfortune.

<h2 id="content-id-1603-4">Victor Hugo's Impact and Legacy</h2>

<img loading="lazy" alt="Victor hugo old" src="https://study.kdcampus.live/admin/assets/uploads/ckeditor/Victor_hugo_old.webp" style="height:452px; width:600px">

[Source: ThoughtCo]

Victor Hugo's creative achievements transcended his time. Producing an enduring legacy that influences writers, artists, and activists to this day.

Influence on Literature: Hugo's novel narrative approaches, rich characters, and investigation of social themes have influenced other writers. His works have been translated into a variety of languages and transformed into films, theatre performances, and other forms of art.

Social and Political Impact: Hugo's commitment to social justice had a real impact on France's political environment. His articles helped to raise awareness about socioeconomic inequity and advocate for political change. His insightful lectures and publications aided debates on urgent topics of the day, such as the abolition of the death penalty.

Architectural Preservation: Hugo's passion for architecture, as demonstrated in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," played an indirect part in historic monument protection and restoration. His novel drew attention to the Notre Dame Cathedral's state of neglect, sparking increased interest in its restoration.

In conclusion, Victor Hugo, a 19th-century literary superstar, left an everlasting influence on the worlds of literature, politics, and social justice. His books continue to attract readers and inspire artists and activists alike. Thanks to their profound issues, fascinating characters, and elegant style. We discover a timeless resonance in his examination of the human condition and advocacy for justice. And appreciation of the power of love, compassion, and redemption as we explore his life and works. Victor Hugo's legacy exemplifies the enduring power of literature to alter hearts and minds decades after his death.

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Explore the life and creativity of Victor Hugo whose writings continue to ring true for readers of all ages and discover the complex themes, and social criticism of his literary works.

Victor Hugo’s Early Life and Influences

List of books and works written by Victor Hugo

Victor Hugo - A Literary Legend and His Iconic Works

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