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eview PAGE 17 - McHENRY PLAINDEALER - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22,1974 by RuthM.Zak , (non fiction) VICTOR HUGO, A TUMULTUOUS LIFE by Samuel Edwards (Published '71) Parti Victor Hugo was a colorful character who lived in the eighteenth century also prominent for he was a poet, novelist, dramatist, essayist and least of all, a critic. He was no different than the male ego of this century, and he heartily approved the virtues of monogamy. There was Victor's wife, he supported a woman (known as his principal mistress) and also supported the woman known as Victor's auxiliary mistress, Juliette Drouet. Victor Hugo's life was melodramatic and tragic. He was depressed when his favored brother, Eugene Hugo, went insane. His eldest daughter named Leopoldine (born Aug. 28, ' 1824), was drowned in the Seine river in France. His youngest daughter, Adite (born July 28,1830), went insane after an elopement. Victor Hugo was a man of many moods; pompous, he could be quiet and then humble. He was a frugal man, lived like a 'monarch'. Variably, Hugo walked miles each day of his life and took daily swims in the sea that he feared. It was in the year 1870 when the Prussian war was on in Paris that Victor Hugo wrote day and night, almost like he was chained to his chair. Unfortunately, Victor Hugo's mother was a "shrew" but the son adored her. Sadly, he despised his father, Imperial General Leopold Hugo, and it wasn't until Victor reached manhood that his father visited him. Strangely, the two men became steadfast friends and it was known that his father greatly influenced Victor in his work. In 1820, Victor Hugo discontinued reading the works of Boileau ( a classical form of writer) and soared above the romantic writings of that day and virtually blazed the trail of realism in writing. The new poetry of Victor Hugo was famous and he revived forms of petry that had lain dormant since the six­ teenth century. Numerous famous poets, dramatists and novelists were influenced by Victor Hugo and his style of writing. This in­ cluded those who chose dif­ ferent occupations, for example, Emile Zola. Men were encouraged by the huge step forward in the literary world through Victor Hugo's writings. Victor Hugo's works were clear, precise, true to every reader and announced a new trend in literature. What made Victor Hugo attractive? He had a massive head, thick white hair and a full, grubby beard together with a strong physique. He also had one important factor that helped him to achieve success and that was charm. Victor Hugo had the quality of charm that radiated about him when he spoke. He was a romantic and at times sloppy, sentimental also, as a writer. Victor's French literature were his best works par­ ticularly when read aloud. Encouraged by his lifelong friend, Theophile Gautier, Victor and his brothers were given the decision to publish their own magazine entitled, "Le Consevateur Litteraire" in 1819. The Hugo brothers printed poetry, fiction, articles and literary criticism. Francoise Rene de Chat- tanbriand, dean of French literature, met Victor Hugo and Victor was speechless. After this meeting, Victor intended to change all courses of French Literature, wishing to surpass Ms. Chattanbriand. Meanwhile, suddenly Sophie ROMANCE? . . . Lady Jane Wellesley, 22 year old only daughter of the Duke of Well ington, seen recently as she drives off from her Fulham, London home to the Old Bond street art dealer where she works. Her name has been link­ ed romantically with Prince Charles. EMM Hugo died, leaving many debts. The sons honestly cleared the debts and her name. However, in doing so, it left the men with no monies to keep the publishing business going or the magazine. Victor visited his father, the General Hugo, and asked for financial aid. The father turned the son down and replied, "To help you get reestablished in the magazine would be like pouring wine down an open sewer". ^ During the financial depression of France (1821-22), Victor Hugo suffered greatly. Having no money left its mark on the artist, helping him later in gathering material for his famous novel "Les Miserables". The main character actually created of his own being and his suffering. After Victor's mother's death, he met Lady Adele Foueher, who admired Victor and helped him over this hard time in his life. However, the Foueher family didn't favor Victor Hugo as a son-in-law. The young couple were married despite opposition of the lady's family. Inspiration abounded and Victor wrote four hours every day, also did pen and ink sketches wholly successful. Suddenly, Victor would suffer day of melancholia, but just as quickly, eased up and he would be his usual self. Friends and family believed he had touches of madness similar to his brother, Eugene Hugo, who died of madness. A strain of insanity did run in the family. In the year 1826, concerning Victor Hugo's works, the artist Charles-August in Sainte- Benve, praised Victor highly and helped Victor to success. The year 1828 brought about the death of Victor's father, Imperial General Hugo and Victor mourned deeply for months. Once back to normal life, Victor's family and friends seldom saw him smile or ever remark wittily again. This is an intriguing biography of a famed man, a book everyone should read as it is worth the time and leaves one feeling inadequate that we cannot be another Victor Hugo. Three From Area Honored At Western State Cited for their scholastic achievement during the fall quarter at Western Illinois university, Macomb, were Laura J. Malinowski of Route 2, McHenry; Jane Dorothy Washow of 10214 Covell street, Richmond, and Susan Maletta Graff of 8304 Howe road, Ringwood. Ms. Malinowski is a junior and the other two are seniors at the university. The three young women were among 1,789 undergraduate students who were honored for compiling a quarterly grade point average of 3.5 or better, based on 4.0 equals straight "A". Students must attempt at least twelve quarter hours for a letter grade to be eligible. Pass- fail hours are not counted in the compilation as hours at­ tempted. II V--- : • : •£V. . February Super Buys On SERTA Mattress And Box Spring Sets...2 Pieces, 1 Price! * 1 a-- f ^Sr T V.... 'A* TWIN SIZE This Serta Smoothie mattress and box springs has a color­ ful tick. This is really an excellent value. Both the mat­ tress'and box springs will give you years of comfort. Come in and look . . . it's on sale right now but, for one week only! FULL SIZE For this low low price you can get this Spring Quilt mattress and box springs. 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