The Man Who Laughs

The Man Who Laughs is a novel by Victor Hugo, originally published in April 1869 under the French title L'Homme qui rit. It takes place in England, during the reigns of James II and Queen Anne, and depicts the English aristocracy of the time as cruel and power-hungry. The novel tells about the life of a young nobleman, also known as Gwynplaine, disfigured as a child on the king's orders. Whole his life, he travels with his protector and companion, the vagabond philosopher Ursus. The novel is famous for Gwynplaine's damaged face, stuck in a permanent smile, which has inspired many artists, dramatists, and filmmakers, touched by this subject.

Victor Hugo (1802-1885) emerges as a towering figure in French literature, celebrated as much for his political activism as for his literary brilliance. Born in Besançon, France, Hugo initially made his mark as a poet before expanding his craft to novels and plays. His literary style incorporated Romanticism's intensity and grandeur, and his exploration of social and philosophical themes distinguished him as a writer deeply involved with the human condition. Hugo's works, including 'Les Misérables' and 'Notre-Dame de Paris,' have garnered worldwide acclaim, but one of his other notable novels, 'The Man Who Laughs' (L'Homme Qui Rit), published in 1869, particularly exemplifies his critique of aristocracy and his compassion for the outcast. In 'The Man Who Laughs,' Hugo delves into the poignant tale of Gwynplaine, a disfigured man striving against a classist system, and the novel is esteemed for its dark romantic elements and rich depictions of 17th-century England. Hugo's influence extends beyond his literary achievements, as his political engagement and exile during the Second Empire attested to his commitment to social issues. His works remain essential reading for their artistry and their call to moral and social responsibility. Hugo's contributions to French literature and his advocacy for human rights have cemented his status as an enduring icon in the literary world.