It’s been 155 years since the final chapter of Victor Hugo’s world-renowned novel “Les Misérables” was published.
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To commemorate the occasion, Google featured Hugo and iconic scenes from three of his most popular works: "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (1831), the poetry collection, "Les Contemplations" (1856), and "Les Mis" (1862).
Hugo completed “Les Mis” in 1862 after he was exiled in 1855 from France to the English Channel island, Guernsey, for his political views opposing Napoleon III.
The political turmoil in France at the time inspired many of Hugo’s popular works and exposed the country’s class issues.
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“The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” went on to become a hit Disney film and “Les Mis,” which was adapted to film in 2012, is also regarded as one of the most beloved musicals of all time.
His work has also influenced countless writers who followed him, including Charles Dickens and Fyodor Dostoyevsky.
Hugo died in 1885 at the age of 83 and was given a national funeral.
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Here are our favorite quotes from the late French writer, Victor Hugo:
- "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent."
- "To love another person is to see the face of God." (from "Les Miserables")
- "He who opens a school door, closes a prison."
- "Not being heard is no reason for silence." (from "Les Miserables")
- "To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark."