Notre-Dame de Paris · Chapter
II: Turn Vagabond explained
Jehan Frollo visits his brother Dom Claude in the cloister, pretending to be penitent and asking for money to reform his ways.
What happens
Jehan Frollo visits his brother Dom Claude in the cloister, pretending to be penitent and asking for money to reform his ways. When the archdeacon refuses, Jehan threatens to become a vagabond. Dom Claude coldly tells him to do so, then throws him a purse as a final gift.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of a mother’s…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Religion and Hypocrisy
Jehan feigns contrition and quotes religious advice to manipulate his brother, while Dom Claude's coldness contrasts with his clerical role.
Characters to notice
- Dom Claude Frollo
The archdeacon is cold and dismissive toward his brother, refusing his request for money and telling him to become a vagabond, though he ultimately throws him a purse.
- Jehan Frollo du Moulin
Jehan visits his brother pretending to be contrite and asking for money to reform, but when refused, he threatens to become a vagabond. He leaves with a purse thrown at him.
Key passages
“Brother, you behold a culprit, a criminal, a wretch, a libertine, a man of enormities!”
Jehan dramatically confesses to being a sinner and a libertine.
Jehan's exaggerated self-accusation is part of his act to gain sympathy and money.
“Become a vagabond.”
Dom Claude tells Jehan to go ahead and become a vagabond.
The archdeacon's cold response shows his indifference to Jehan's threat.
