Victor Hugo | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 15, 2025

Who is Victor Hugo?

Victor Hugo was a renowned French poet, novelist, and dramatist, widely recognized as one of the most significant figures of the French Romantic movement. Born on February 26, 1802, in Besançon, France, he displayed a profound literary talent early on, despite initially training as a lawyer. Instead of pursuing a legal career, Hugo deeply immersed himself in literature, founding the journal Conservateur Litteraire, where he published his poetry. His first major literary successes came with his poetry collections and plays, but he gained international fame with his novels, notably "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" in 1831 and the epic "Les Misérables" in 1862.

Hugo's writings often encompassed themes of social justice, humanity, and redemption, reflecting his progressive political beliefs. After experiencing personal tragedies, including the loss of family members, his work evolved, increasingly addressing darker themes while maintaining a spirit of hope and resilience. His latter works resonate with philosophical inquiries into God, morality, and the human condition. Despite facing political exile for his opposition to tyranny, Hugo continued to write prolifically and returned to France as a celebrated figure. His passing on May 22, 1885, marked the end of an era; he received a hero's funeral, underscoring the lasting impact he had on literature and culture in France and beyond.

Early Life and Education

Victor Hugo, born Victor-Marie Hugo on February 26, 1802, in Besançon, France, was the son of Sophie Trébuche and military officer Joseph-Léopold-Sigisbert Hugo. The influence of his father's military career, who later rose to the rank of general under Napoleon, would shape both Hugo's worldview and his literary voice. His early life was marked by a sense of instability, as his family moved frequently due to his father's postings. This nomadic childhood experience would later inform the depth and complexity of his characters and themes, particularly regarding societal struggles and personal hardships.

Hugo’s formal education began with law studies from 1815 to 1818, but he never pursued a career in the legal field. Instead, bolstered by encouragement from his mother, he directed his talents toward literature. In 1821, he married Adèle Foucher, marking the onset of his literary endeavors. The publication of his first volume of poetry, "Odes et poésies diverses," established his presence in the literary scene. Hugo soon founded the journal Conservateur Litteraire, where he showcased his poetry alongside the works of emerging writers. His early writings reflect the burgeoning Romantic movement in France, characterized by emotional depth and a profound reflection on human experience.

Career Beginnings: Focus on Literature

Victor Hugo, renowned for his mastery in poetry and literature, initially embarked on a legal career after studying law between 1815 and 1818. However, he soon discovered his true calling in the realm of literature, buoyed by encouragement from his mother, Sophie Trébuche. In 1820, he took significant steps towards this new path by founding the journal Conservateur Littéraire. This platform not only showcased his own poetry but also featured works by fellow writers and friends. The early 1820s marked the beginning of his literary journey as he published his first volume of poetry, "Odes et poésies diverses," demonstrating his burgeoning talent as a Romantic poet.

Hugo's literary output flourished in the following years, establishing him as a key figure in the burgeoning Romanticism movement. His innovative approach to storytelling and dramatic expression can be seen in both his poetry and plays, which captivated audiences and critics alike. By 1831, he achieved significant recognition with the publication of "Notre-Dame de Paris" (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), a novel that not only captivated readers with its rich narrative but also sharply criticized social injustices. This powerful work marked a pivotal moment in his career, solidifying his status as one of France's foremost literary figures and paving the way for his future masterpieces, including "Les Misérables."

Major Works: The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Misérables

Victor Hugo stands as one of the monumental figures of 19th-century literature, celebrated for his profound impact as a poet and novelist. Among his major works, "Notre-Dame de Paris" (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) published in 1831, is a cornerstone of literary Romanticism. This novel critiques the societal norms of the medieval period through the poignant story of Quasimodo, a deformed bell-ringer shunned by society. The rich tapestry of characters and intricate plot reveals the harsh realities of love, acceptance, and human dignity, allowing readers to reflect on the nature of beauty and cruelty within humanity.

Another hallmark of Hugo's literary genius is "Les Misérables," released in 1862. This sweeping narrative explores themes of justice, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit against socioeconomic disparities in post-revolutionary France. Through the journeys of its central characters, including Jean Valjean, Fantine, and Javert, the novel brings to light the struggles of the oppressed and critiques the harshness of the legal system. "Les Misérables" has resonated deeply with audiences, transcending time and culture; its adaptations into musical and film formats have solidified Hugo's legacy as one of the greatest storytellers in literature, illustrating the enduring relevance of his themes and characters.

Later Life and Themes

In his later years, Victor Hugo faced a series of personal tragedies that deeply affected his literary output. After returning to France in 1870, he became a symbol of republican triumph, yet he was haunted by the loss of two sons between 1871 and 1873. These experiences imbued his writing with a darker tone, exploring profound themes such as God, Satan, and mortality. His later works illustrate a man grappling with existential questions, reflecting a departure from the more hopeful narratives of his earlier career. Despite the sorrow, Hugo's enduring commitment to social justice and human compassion remained evident throughout his life.

Hugo's literary themes evolved notably during his time away from France, especially in Brussels and Britain. His writings from this period are characterized by incisive social criticism and biting sarcasm, revealing his disdain for social inequalities. Works like "Les Misérables," published in 1862, encapsulate these principles, portraying the struggles of the downtrodden and critiquing the injustices of society. His masterful storytelling intertwined with political activism positioned Hugo as not just a literary giant but also as a champion for the marginalized. This legacy continues to resonate, establishing him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern literature and social thought.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Victor Hugo’s personal life was marked by both profound love and deep sorrow. He married Adèle Foucher in 1822, after a long courtship that began during their youth. Adèle was not only his beloved wife but also a source of inspiration for much of his poetry. The couple had five children together: Léopold, who died in infancy; Charles, who also passed away young; and three daughters, Eugénie, Georges, and Adèle. Despite the initial joys of married life, Hugo faced devastating losses, notably the accidental deaths of his daughter Eugénie and her husband in 1843, which profoundly affected his emotional state and creative output.

Throughout his marriage, Hugo maintained a passionate relationship with his mistress, Juliette Drouet, who became an integral part of his life. Juliette was a devoted partner who supported his literary endeavors and maintained correspondence with him for over 50 years. Despite the complexities of his relationships, both with Adèle and Juliette, Hugo's family life deeply influenced his writing, infusing his works with themes of love, loss, and social justice. His struggles and experiences within his family dynamics can be traced through his characters and narratives, showcasing the profound impact personal events had on his literary genius.

Net Worth and Earning: Literary Success

Victor Hugo, renowned for his literary genius and profound impact on French literature, achieved remarkable success during his lifetime, translating into considerable financial gain. His works, particularly "Les Misérables" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," garnered immense popularity, making Hugo one of the best-selling authors of the 19th century. While the exact figures of his net worth can be challenging to pinpoint due to fluctuating royalties and the era's financial records, it is estimated that his income from publishing and stage adaptations provided him with a comfortable lifestyle, ensuring he remained a prominent figure in literary society.

In addition to the sales of his novels, Hugo's poetry and plays contributed significantly to his earnings. His innovative approach to romanticism allowed him to command respect and admiration not only in literary circles but also among wealthy patrons and enthusiasts. Over time, the adaptations of his works into various forms of media, including theatre and film, have continued to generate income, solidifying his legacy and maintaining his relevance in contemporary culture. Alongside his literary achievements, Hugo’s political activism and involvement in social causes further enhanced his public profile, proving that his impact extended well beyond literary success.