Victor Hugo has long been one of France’s most well-known writers. This Romantic poet, dramatist, and novelist, has remained significant since his publishing. Though his writing has a substantial variety of themes, some of his most famous works bring forth his increasingly radical ideas regarding social and political reform, which he developed during France’s most tumultuous eras, in a time of almost constant governmental revolution.
On February 26, 1802, Victor Marie Hugo was born, the third son to parents Léopold Hugo and Sophie Trébuchet in Besançon, France. His father was a general under Napoleon, allowing for travel to both Italy and Spain during Hugo’s childhood. These locations served as inspiration for some of his poems found in Les Orientales and Les Contemplations (Frey).
Hugo and his brothers were well-educated in a convent in Paris, where “his innate genius was enhanced by an exposure to classical languages and authors”. Hugo developed an interest in poetry and began writing (Frey). He also demonstrated a capacity for drawing, which continued to flourish as his life progressed. Even today, this remains his least-known talent, though he was quite gifted (Hughes).
While in Paris, young Hugo met Adéle Foucher and fell deeply in love. The two were married in 1822, after a 3 year engagement. During this time, Hugo began to question his religious beliefs, the start of his eventual renouncing of the Catholic Church. Unfortunately, the couple’s love soon diminished and would all but disappear as both partners found companionship with various lovers (Frey).
The same year, 1822, Hugo began his writing career with Odes, his first volume of poems. By 1827, he had published his first play, Cromwell. Even these early established...
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...is fight for social justice and political reform…(???) With authors like Hugo, the legacy is not often tangible or measureable, but remains in the ideals his books, poems, and plays to be leave behind to be shared with generations.
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Albert Camus, the second son of Lucien and Catherine Camus was born in Mondovi, French Algeria on November 7, 1913.
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“It is precisely of him that I wished to speak. Dispose of me as you please; but help me first to carry him home. I only ask that of you.” Upon examination of Les Miserables, it is clearly evident that the elements of Forgiveness, Self – Sacrifice, and Courage are only a few of the main themes Hugo wanted to develop.