rmedfeet the heads of all those handsome, straight and well-mademen (p.17). It is evident that he is happy to be exaltedamong normal men, even if only for one night and he ischosen because he wins an ugliness contest. Since ClaudeFrollo holds such a praiseworthy position, the hunchbackrespects him. He is also honored that such a figure as theArchdeacon even associates with he, a measly and horrid bellringer. As opposed to the Archdeacon, Esmerelda holds no realpower or authority. Rather she has the ability to seebeyond the exterior appearance of something, and learn aboutits true value. She accomplishes this with Quasimodo. Atfirst, she is repelled by his terrible ugliness. The gypsy“often reproached herself for not being grateful enough toblind herself to his appearance but, try as she might, shecould not accustom herself to him. He was too ugly(p.206).” Eventually, however, she overcomes her aversionto his appearance. She realizes that he is a caring andcompassionate human being. He has feelings, he loves, andhe can be loved. Quasimodo discovers Esmerelda's ability toview someone from a different perspective. He also becomesaware than she is a decent and caring person on the inside,despite her reactions to his grotesque appearance. He thenfeels a sense of kinship and a deeper sort of love towardsthe Mistress that transcends Eros love. Esmerelda is guilty of committing a gravetransgression. She is sentenced to be hanged. Just beforethe platform is dropped from beneath her feet and her lifeended, Quasimodo appears and strikes the two guards. Esmerelda is free. He brings her to the Cathedral as asanctuary to take refuge in one of the towers. During thelength of her stay in the tower, she is completely isolatedfrom the outside world. Quasimodo is the only person alwayspresent in the church. He takes it upon himself to beresponsible for keeping Esmerelda happy and comfortable. Hebrings her food, drink, any...
