Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Biography of Victor Hugo:
Victor Hugo (1802–1885) was a French poet, novelist, and dramatist who played a significant role in shaping French literature and politics during the 19th century. He is best known for his novels, particularly "Les Misérables" and "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame."
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| Biography of Victor Hugo |
Here is a brief biography of Victor Hugo:
Early Life of Victor Hugo:
1. Birth: Victor Marie Hugo was born on February 26, 1802, in Besançon, France.
2. Family: He came from a prominent and artistic family. His father, Joseph Léopold Sigisbert Hugo, was a general in Napoleon's army, and his mother, Sophie Trébuchet, was a socialite.
Education:
1. Hugo received his early education in Paris.
2. He showed an early interest in literature and began writing poetry during his teenage years.
Literary Career:
1. Hugo's literary career began with the publication of his poetry collection, "Odes et poésies diverses," in 1822.
2. His early works, including "Hernani" (1830), played a role in the Romantic literary movement in France.
3. Hugo's historical play "Cromwell" (1827) attracted attention for its departure from classical norms.
Victor Hugo's Political Involvement:
1. Hugo was politically active and supported liberal and republican causes.
2. He was elected to the French Academy in 1841 but was later expelled in 1851 due to his opposition to Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte's coup d'état.
Exile:
1. After the coup in 1851, Hugo went into exile on the island of Jersey and later Guernsey.
2. He continued his literary output during this period, producing major works such as "Les Misérables" (1862) and "The Toilers of the Sea" (1866).
Return to France:
1. With the fall of Napoleon III, Hugo returned to France in 1870 and was welcomed as a national hero.
2. He continued to be active in politics and was elected to the National Assembly.
Death:
1. Victor Hugo died on May 22, 1885, in Paris, France.
2. His death marked the end of an era, and he was mourned as one of France's greatest literary figures.
Key Works of Victor Hugo:
1. "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" ("Notre-Dame de Paris") (1831): A historical novel set in medieval Paris.
2. "Les Misérables" (1862): A sweeping novel that explores themes of justice, redemption, and the human condition.
3. Poetry: Hugo's poetry, including collections like "Les Contemplations" (1856) and "La Légende des siècles" (1859), reflects his lyrical and philosophical expression.
Victor Hugo's literary and political contributions left an indelible mark on French culture. His novels and poems continue to be widely read, and his advocacy for social justice and human rights remains influential.