Katie answers “If Quasimodo is full-gypsy and Esmeralda...”

Ailsa asked this question about The Hunchback of Notre-Dame:

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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The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

by Victor Hugo

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