By Colin Cassard

Victor Hugo

Accessed from hugo.thefreelibrary.com

French author of the 1800’sFamous for poems, some consider him to be

the greatest French poetWrote several novels and plays as well,

including Les MisérablesHighly politically involved

Introduction

Victor’s life saw multiple revolutions and political takeovers in France

Father was an officer for Napoleon, Mother was a royalist, political debates common during Victor’s childhood

Parents divorced over political and religious disagreements, Victor was raised by royalist mother.

Early Life

Began writing very earlyPublished his first work at age 20, in 1822Earned royal pension from Louis XVIIIPublished several more works shortly

thereafter, became famous throughout France

Early Writings

Les Misérables Victor began working on Les

Misérables at age 28, not released until he was 40

Well aware that his fame made his work sought after by many publishing companies, had publishers bid for the rights

After the work was published, Hugo sent a single “?” to the publisher to ask about the work’s success. The publisher responded “!” and it was considered to be the shortest correspondence in history.

Accessed from samguzman.com

Though most loved the works of Victor Hugo, they sparked conflict in some

Classic French authors did not support the new romanticism movement starting in France which Victor Hugo was an integral part of.

Many political works favoring the Republican government, dislike by republican opposition.

Controversy Surrounding Works

Upon the establishment of the French Empire in 1851 by Napoleon Bonaparte, Victor Hugo was exiled from France for his contradictory political views.

Wrote numerous pamphlets criticizing the new French government

Granted pardon and allowed to return, refused due to a continued desire to write negatively about the government

Finally did return after Napoleon III fell from power

Exile

Elected to the senate in the first years of its existence

Huge parade held to honor his 80th birthdayMany major French cities have roads named

after himLeft the majority of his money to the poor

upon his death

Last Years

Elected to the Académie Française, which is an election-based collection of 40 of the most respected authors in France who serve as a reference to all matters on the French language

Due to works about the sea and sea travel discussing squid, started a squid fad in Paris, establishing a French word for squid and inciting squid food products and squid clothing.

Lead the Romanticism movement in FranceWrote several political works that influenced the

way modern political structure in France was set upOver 50 published works in all

Notable Accomplishments

Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th Ed. “Hugo, Victor Marie, Vicomte”. Accessed from Bartleby.com Great Books Online February 12, 2012.

Pyre, Henri. Victor Hugo: Philosophy and Poetry. Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press. 1980.

Illi, Peter. “Victor Hugo: Plays”. Accessed from the Victor Hugo Website. February 12, 2012.

Frey, John Andrew. A Victor Hugo Encyclopedia. London: Greenwood Press. 1999.

References