Notre-Dame de Paris ( 《巴黎圣母院》 ) is one of the well- known novels written by French author
Victor Hugo. I have just finished this book.
     Reflecting on the content of the book, I am most impressed by the architecture of that time, like the
churches that represented power and luxury (奢华). It shows how great architects' appreciation of beauty
and their capacity of turning their dreams into buildings are.
     When it comes to the heroine Esmerelda, I am deeply impressed by her beauty and kindness. I love her
not only for her fascinating appearance but also because of her good mind and pitiful destiny. We can see
her pure beauty from how she treats the goat, how she saves the jobless poet, and how she sacrifices for
love. In my eyes, she is a lost angel in the world. However, all this perfect girl has received is to lead a
vagrant (漂泊的) life. She lives in a slum (贫民窟) and is often made fun of by the so-called upper class
of society. She is abandoned and threatened. In the end, Esmerelda sadly makes the decision to end her life.
     Different lifestyles are displayed in the novel, like foolish Phoebus and the ugly hunchback (驼背)
Quasimodo. A striking comparison is demonstrated (展示, 证明) between Phoebus and Quasimodo. They
both fall in love with the gypsy (吉普赛人) girl at the same time and both are refused. Their love is so
strong and sincere, while one wants to conquer and the other chooses to sacrifice.
     I think that may be the real charm of the famous novel. It tells not only a sad story, but also reveals
human beings' pursuits (追求) of love and happiness. However, not every one receives the same treatment
in search of their love and happiness. What should we do when we are faced up with the darkness and
unfairness of society? Everyone has different answers, as the characters in the novel do.

1. What is implied but not stated directly in the passage?

A. Notre-Dame de Paris was written by Victor Hugo.
B. The architecture was built with advanced building technology.
C. The churches represented power and luxury.
D. Esmerelda is so beautiful and friendly that the writer is deeply struck.

2. What's the author's attitude towards Esmerelda?

A. Criticizing and complaining.
B. Admiring and sympathetic.
C. Disappointed and upset.
D. Regretful and sad.

3. The best title of the passage may be ____.

A. My reading of Notre-Dame de Paris
B. Charming Esmerelda
C. Notre-Dame de Paris
D. Different lifestyles in the novel