The Man Who Laughs: A Romance of English History
Hugo, Victor
"The Man Who Laughs: A Romance of English History" by Victor Hugo is a novel written in the late 19th century. This work intricately blends themes of social injustice and political critique set against the backdrop of English history. The story primarily revolves around a central character, Gwynplaine, who suffers physical disfigurement at the hands of cruel society, suggesting a deeper commentary on the nature of humanity and the conditions of the marginalized.  The opening of the book introduces us to Ursus, a philosopher and juggler who travels with his companion, Homo, a domesticated wolf. Together, they perform for the public while living a nomadic life. The story quickly establishes a sense of loneliness and abandonment, particularly through the child protagonist, who is left behind when a group of ragged individuals sails away in a vessel after what appears to be an urgent departure. This child, revealed as a victim of circumstance, faces the harsh realities of solitude and survival, setting the stage for a gripping narrative that promises to explore themes of suffering, identity, and resilience in the face of a brutal world. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Clowns -- Fiction England -- Fiction Great Britain -- History -- Anne, 1702-1714 -- Fiction Great Britain -- History -- James II, 1685-1688 -- Fiction Historical fiction Mouth -- Wounds and injuries -- Fiction Traveling theater -- Fiction
Category: French Literature Category: Historical Novels Category: Novels