Victor Hugo During the Siege of Paris

Victor Hugo was present in Paris during the siege by the Prussian Army, a conflict that had significant implications for France and its capital. The siege led to severe food shortages, forcing many residents, including Hugo, to adapt to dire circumstances. In his diary, he documented his experiences, noting that he resorted to consuming animals provided by the Paris Zoo as supplies dwindled. His writings reflect the desperation faced by Parisians during this period, as he described being reduced to 'eating the unknown.' This phrase encapsulates the struggle for survival amid the chaos of war and the impact of the siege on daily life. Hugo's observations during this time not only highlight the physical hardships but also the psychological toll of living under siege. Following the siege, the Paris Commune emerged as a revolutionary government, which Hugo critiqued for its actions. He expressed his disapproval of the violence and chaos that ensued, stating that the Commune was as misguided as the National Assembly was brutal. His reflections during this tumultuous period reveal his deep concern for the human condition and the moral complexities of conflict. Hugo's writings serve as a historical account of the siege and the subsequent political upheaval, illustrating the challenges faced by the people of Paris and the broader implications for French society.