Questions About The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

by Victor Hugo

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Answered Questions (20)

Is this a good book for 11 year old's?

Ailsa

This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)

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Is this the best English translation? I mean the Alban Krailsheimer one?

Lucy Day Werts .
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There are over a dozen English translations. I think the Oxford/Krailsheimer translation is one of the two best modern translations, and the Pengui…more.
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There are over a dozen English translations. I think the Oxford/Krailsheimer translation is one of the two best modern translations, and the Penguin/Sturrock translation is the other. The two translators have a different approach; some people may prefer one and some may prefer the other. So I don't think there's any one "best" translation. The best way to choose a translation is to read a bit of several different candidates and see what sounds good.

For info on Krailsheimer, Sturrock, and a dozen other English translations, including book covers, ISBNs, pagecounts, and extracts for comparison, visit We Love Translations: World Literature in English.

» What's the best translation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame?

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If Quasimodo is full-gypsy and Esmeralda is either half gypsy or not gypsy at all, why is she described as being very dark skinned while Quasimodo has red hair?

Katie In this book, "Gypsy" really means "Egyptian." While uncommon, it is not entirely unheard of for an Egyptian to have red hair. Pharaoh Ramses II famou…moreIn this book, "Gypsy" really means "Egyptian." While uncommon, it is not entirely unheard of for an Egyptian to have red hair. Pharaoh Ramses II famously had red hair. As for Esmeralda (who is not biologically Roma), she has spent her whole life outside and is probably filthy. Also, "dark skinned" almost always meant tan until the 50 or so years. It had nothing to do with race. (less)

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This is my virgin foray into Hugo's work. Are all his stories this intense with history, philosophy and scarce of characters and plot?

Zoe I am not entirely familiar with all of Hugo's writing but having additionally read his other famous work, Les Misérables, I would be inclined to say y…moreI am not entirely familiar with all of Hugo's writing but having additionally read his other famous work, Les Misérables, I would be inclined to say yes. In comparison as well, Hunchback is much more narrative heavy. I hope this answer helps!(less)

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Katie It is similar in style, but the story is different. This book focuses more on the cathedral than any one character, that one reads much more like a tr…moreIt is similar in style, but the story is different. This book focuses more on the cathedral than any one character, that one reads much more like a traditional story, with characters we spend lots of time with.(less)

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