Reading Response # 3

Response # 3
Theme
The third pivotal moment within the novel is when Quasimodo saves Esmeralda herself from being hanged, and rushes her to the cathedral, claiming "Sanctuary!" and thus saving Esmeralda. It is shown in the quotation from the novel,
"A minute afterwards he appeared upon the upper platform, still bearing the gypsy in his arms, still running wildly along, still shouting 'Sanctuary!' and the crowd still applauding. At last he made a third appearance on the summit of the tower of the great bell. From thence he seemed to show exultingly to the whole city the fair creature he had saved; and his thundering voice, that voice which was heard so seldom, and which he never heard at all, thrice repeated with frantic vehemence, even in the very clouds, 'Sanctuary! Sanctuary! Sanctuary!'" (pg. 477-478)
A similarity can be cast from the untainted cathedral to Quasimodo's love and there fore actions and behaviour in order to save La Esmeralda. The theme of unresolvable conflict is established in the way that Quasimodo wishes so to save and please Esmeralda and have her fall in love with him; but she is in love with Phoebus, who has no sentimental interest whatsoever. It's further developed with the inner turmoil of Dom Claude Frollo, in the way that he must either give up his religion, one of the things he values most, and fall to his lust and unrequited love for Esmeralda and be free, or refuse to succumb to his obsessive urges and remain tormented inside for the rest of his existence. Furthermore, the theme of unresolvable conflict is seen in Esmeralda's "sanctuary" -- she must either remained trapped in the cathedral forever and never do as she pleases and life a free life, or she must travel outside the stone walls and face her peril and ultimate death. Hugo introduces this theme frequently through the progression of the novel, such as when Esmeralda takes Gringoire as her "husband" and save him, or not take him and be faced with the guilt that she let him die. Also, this is exhibited with Esmeralda when she takes pity on Quasimodo and feeds him water; though there is a moment of peace and unity between the two and they stand together in the chaotic world, it is felt by the reader that this peace will not last long, and that feeling is implemented by the recurring theme. Therefore, Hugo establishes a recurring theme of neverending and unresolvable conflict in his novel through situation and dialogue.