FR 138 The French Novel on Film
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Reading Questions

Book VIII

1.  What are the various pieces of "evidence" that lead the court to prosecute La Esmeralda for the stabbing and slaying of Phoebus?  How does this portrait of medieval justice correspond to the earlier trial of Quasimodo?

2.  Why does La Esmeralda eventually confess to murder and witchcraft?

3.  How did Frollo's love for La Esmeralda begin?  What has he done to try to break the spell of love?  

4.  How does La Esmeralda respond to the priest's confession?

5.  Why has Phoebus not come forward during La Esmeralda's trial?

6.  Compare the ways in which Phoebus, Frollo and Quasimodo behave towards La Esmeralda in the final chapter of Book 8. 

7.  Why is La Esmeralda safe within the walls of Notre Dame cathedral?