The height of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, famously known as Quasimodo, is not explicitly defined in Victor Hugo's original novel, which describes his physical build rather than giving a precise measurement. However, various film adaptations have provided specific heights based on the actors portraying him.
Quasimodo's Height Across Adaptations
There isn't a single definitive height for Quasimodo; his stature is depicted differently depending on the medium. The novel focuses on his powerful yet deformed appearance, while movies offer concrete figures.
| Adaptation | Description/Height |
|---|---|
| Victor Hugo's Original Novel | Described as "a giant broken up and badly put together." Due to his large hump, he is bent over, appearing "as broad as he was high." No specific numerical height is provided. |
| 1939 Film (Charles Laughton) | Portrayed by Charles Laughton, whose height was 5 feet 10 inches (5'10"). |
| 1956 Film (Anthony Quinn) | Portrayed by Anthony Quinn, whose height was 6 feet 2 inches (6'2"). |
Detailed Descriptions of Quasimodo's Stature
Understanding Quasimodo's height requires looking at how he is presented in different versions of his story.
In Victor Hugo's Original Novel
In Victor Hugo's classic 1831 novel, Quasimodo's height is not quantified with a specific number. Instead, the author emphasizes his monstrous yet powerful physique. He is depicted as being enormously strong and powerfully built, often referred to as "a giant broken up and badly put together." His most defining physical characteristic, his large hump, caused him to be so severely bent over that he appeared "as broad as he was high." This description highlights his immense size and disfigurement without assigning a precise numerical height.
Film Interpretations
Film adaptations of The Hunchback of Notre Dame have, by necessity, provided a more concrete visual and measurable interpretation of Quasimodo's height, based on the actors cast in the role.
- Charles Laughton's Portrayal (1939): In the acclaimed 1939 film adaptation, Quasimodo was played by Charles Laughton. For this iconic performance, Quasimodo's on-screen presence reflected Laughton's actual height of 5 feet 10 inches (5'10").
- Anthony Quinn's Portrayal (1956): The 1956 French-Italian film version saw Anthony Quinn take on the role. In this adaptation, Quasimodo was presented with Quinn's height of 6 feet 2 inches (6'2"), making him a noticeably taller iteration of the character.
