The Man Who Laughs is a novel written by Victor Hugo, which was originally published in April 1869 under the French title L’Homme qui rit. The story revolves around a young man named Gwynplaine, whose mouth is horribly deformed, and his journey to find his place in society. The novel is known for its dark themes and allegorical elements, which have captivated readers for generations.
The Man Who Laughs is often regarded as an allegory for the human condition. The character of Gwynplaine, with his disfigured face, represents the struggle of individuals who are marginalized and ostracized by society. Through his experiences, Hugo explores themes of identity, love, and the search for meaning in a world that can be cruel and unforgiving. The novel is a powerful commentary on the human experience and has been studied and analyzed by scholars and readers alike.
Historical Context
Victor Hugo’s Inspiration
Victor Hugo’s inspiration for “The Man Who Laughs” came from his own experiences with social injustice and the plight of the poor. He was known for his political activism and his works often reflected his views on social issues. The novel was first published in 1869 and takes place in England during the 17th and early 18th centuries.
17th Century England
England during this time was marked by political and social upheaval. The country was recovering from the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution had just taken place. The monarchy was still a powerful force, but the aristocracy was also gaining power. The poor were often neglected and subject to harsh treatment by those in power.
Hugo’s novel explores these themes through the character of Gwynplaine, a man who is disfigured as a child and forced to live as an outcast. The story highlights the struggles of those who are marginalized and oppressed by society. It also critiques the cruelty and power-hungry nature of the aristocracy and monarchy during this time.
Main Characters
Gwynplaine’s Journey
Gwynplaine is the protagonist of “The Man Who Laughs”. He is a young man with a disfigured face, permanently marked with a perpetual smile. The deformity is a result of a mutilation he received as a child, which was intended to make him a laughing stock. He is a complex character who carries the weight of his tragic past on his shoulders. Throughout the novel, he struggles to come to terms with his identity and his place in society.
Dea’s Symbolism
Dea is the blind girl whom Gwynplaine rescues as a child. She is a symbol of purity and innocence, and represents the ideal of a perfect woman. Her blindness is symbolic of her inability to see the ugliness of the world, and her reliance on Gwynplaine to guide her through life. Dea’s love for Gwynplaine is unconditional, and serves as a beacon of hope in a world that is otherwise filled with darkness.
Ursus and Homo: Guides to Interpretation
Ursus and Homo are two characters who play an important role in the novel. Ursus is a philosopher who serves as Gwynplaine’s mentor and guide. He is a wise old man who has seen the world and understands its complexities. Homo, on the other hand, is a dwarf who serves as Ursus’s assistant. He is a comic relief character who provides a contrast to the seriousness of Ursus. Together, Ursus and Homo represent the two sides of human nature: the serious and the comic. They serve as guides to interpretation, helping the reader to understand the deeper meaning behind the events of the novel.
Themes and Motifs
The Nature of Power
The Man Who Laughs explores the theme of power and its corrupting influence on those who hold it. Hugo portrays the aristocracy of England as cruel and power-hungry, using their wealth and status to control and manipulate those beneath them. This is seen in the character of Lord David Dirry-Moir, who uses his position of power to force Gwynplaine into performing in his carnival show. The novel suggests that power can be a destructive force, leading individuals to act in ways that are morally reprehensible.
Beauty and Deformity
The theme of beauty and deformity is central to The Man Who Laughs. The novel explores the idea that beauty is often superficial and that true beauty lies within a person’s character. This is seen in the character of Dea, who is blind and physically unremarkable but possesses a kind and loving heart. In contrast, Gwynplaine is physically deformed but possesses a noble and generous spirit. The novel suggests that true beauty is not found in physical appearance but in the goodness of a person’s soul.
The Role of Society
The Man Who Laughs examines the role of society in shaping individuals and their actions. The novel suggests that society can be a powerful force, shaping individuals’ beliefs, values, and behaviors. This is seen in the character of Gwynplaine, who is ostracized and mistreated by society because of his physical deformity. The novel suggests that society can be cruel and unforgiving, punishing those who do not conform to its norms and expectations. However, the novel also suggests that individuals have the power to resist society’s influence and to act according to their own beliefs and values.
Allegorical Elements
Gwynplaine as a Social Critique
In “The Man Who Laughs,” Gwynplaine’s appearance of a permanent grin is a symbol of the societal issue of the time – the aristocracy’s indifference to the suffering of the lower classes. Gwynplaine’s deformity is a result of the Comprachicos, who were hired by the aristocracy to mutilate children and turn them into freaks for entertainment. This allegory highlights the corrupt nature of the aristocracy and their lack of empathy for the common people.
The Comprachicos: Agents of Change
The Comprachicos are a group of agents of change who represent the corrupting influence of power. They are hired by the aristocracy to create freaks for entertainment purposes, and their actions represent the exploitation of the lower classes. The Comprachicos’ actions are an allegory for the corrupting influence of power and the desire for control over others. The novel suggests that those who hold power will use it to exploit and manipulate those who are weaker than them.
Literary Devices
Irony and Satire
In “The Man Who Laughs,” Victor Hugo employs irony and satire to criticize the social injustices of his time. For example, the character of Gwynplaine, who has a permanent smile carved into his face, is a symbol of the hypocrisy of the aristocracy. Despite his physical deformity, Gwynplaine is a noble and compassionate character, while the aristocrats who mock him are shallow and cruel. This irony highlights the moral bankruptcy of the aristocracy and the need for social reform.
Symbolism in Settings
Hugo also uses symbolism in the settings of the novel to convey deeper meanings. The abandoned ship that Gwynplaine and Dea find shelter in represents the decay of society and the loss of human values. The carnival, where Gwynplaine performs as a freak, symbolizes the exploitation of the marginalized by the powerful. The contrast between the bleakness of the ship and the garishness of the carnival underscores the stark divide between the rich and poor in Hugo’s time.
Reception and Legacy
Critical Analysis
“The Man Who Laughs” has received mixed reviews from critics over the years. Some have praised the novel for its powerful allegorical themes, while others have criticized it for its overly melodramatic plot and heavy-handed symbolism. Despite these criticisms, the novel remains an important work of literature and a fascinating exploration of the human condition.
Influence on Modern Media
“The Man Who Laughs” has had a significant impact on modern media, particularly in the realm of film and television. The novel has been adapted into several films, including a 1928 silent film directed by Paul Leni and starring Conrad Veidt, and a 2012 French film directed by Jean-Pierre Améris.
The character of Gwynplaine has also had a lasting influence on popular culture. His disfigured grin has been used as a reference in several films and television shows, including “Batman: The Animated Series” and “American Horror Story.” The novel’s allegorical themes have also been explored in various forms of media, such as the dystopian science fiction film “Metropolis” and the animated television series “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”