From Romantic Author to Political Figure
French poetry and literature are exceptionally renowned for their philosophical depth, inspiration, critical thinking,and emotional contents. For readers who are captivated by novels like “Le Petit Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry or “Madame Bovary” by Gustave Flaubert, you are most likely familiar with one of the all-time classic novels, “Les Misérables,” written by Victor Hugo, one of the most celebrated French authors.
Victor Hugo, an icon of French Romanticism, advocated world peace through his pen. Born in 1802 in Besançon, he grew up in a family with differing political views. His father was a general in the Napoleon’s army, while his mother remained loyal to the deposed dynasty. These differences had a significant impact on Hugo whose talents on poetry, literature, and playwriting were evident from a young age. When he studied at Lycée Louis-le-Grand, he learned Latin, Arts, classical works, and how to write stories from sophisticated imagination, which led to his first public printed work.
After years of success in writing career, Hugo started to involve in politics. He supported Louis-Philippe’s ascension to the throne to restore the monarchy. Later on, he became a strong opponent of Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte who staged a coup d’état in December 1851, establishing the Second Empire under his rule as Emperor Napolean III.
Following the coup, Hugo was forced into exile on the islands of Jersey and Guernsey in the Channel Islands for19 years. During this period, he used his pen to reflect on political issues and criticize Napoleon III through works such as “Napoléon le Petit” (1852) and “Histoire d’un crime” (1877). He also produced masterpieces that became part of the world literary heritage, such as “Les Misérables” (1862), which addresses social injustice in France through the character of Jean Valjean, a former prisoner who fights to atone for his sins. “Les Travailleurs de la mer” (1866) is a tribute to the fishermen who labor along the sea, while “L’Homme qui rit” (1869) reflects social inequality through a disfigured character who is used as a mockery by high society.
After the fall of the Second Empire and the return of France to the republic, Hugo returned to his homeland in 1870. He was recognized as a national figure and elected as a member of the National Assembly. While in exile, his powerful works were continuously published on the mainland. He became known as a strong advocate for freedom and human rights, actively promoting the ideals, even though he was frequently threatened by opposing political forces.
In the later years of his life, Hugo faced the tragic loss of his two sons, Charles Hugo and Françoise-Victorine Hugo. Years of deep sorrow eventually took its toll on his health. Hugo passed away on May 22, 1885, at 83.
The French government declared an official period of mourning for him. It is said that during the funeral procession, which passed through the Champs-Élysées to the Panthéon in the heart of Paris, more than one million people came to pay their final respects.
