L'homme qui rit

"L'homme qui rit" ("The Man Who Laughs") is a novel by Victor Hugo, set in 17th-century England. It tells the story of Gwynplaine, a young man disfigured with a constant, unnerving grin caused by a childhood injury. Raised among outcasts, Gwynplaine’s unusual appearance symbolizes societal cruelty and superficiality. The novel explores themes of identity, beauty, and compassion, highlighting how external appearances can obscure inner worth. Hugo combines romance, social critique, and gothic elements to examine the importance of humanity beyond physical looks, emphasizing that true nobility comes from kindness and moral integrity.