Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame tells the story of Quasimodo, a kind-hearted yet physically disfigured man who lives in isolation in the bell towers of the famous Notre Dame cathedral. Throughout his life, Quasimodo is mocked and belittled for his appearance, but he finds strength in his maturity and overcomes the adversity he faces.
Quasimodo’s story is not unique – every Disney character faces their own challenges and obstacles. But it is through the lessons they learn and the strength they gain that they are able to overcome adversity and thrive. Let’s take a closer look at some of these characters.
First up is Simba from The Lion King. Simba is initially thrust into adversity when his father, Mufasa, dies, and Simba runs away from his responsibilities as king. Like Quasimodo, Simba eventually finds strength in his maturity. Speaking to his childhood friend, Nala, who he has reunited with after many years, Simba says, “It’s like you said, you can’t change the past. You said you’d always be there for me, and you are. I’ve come back, Nala, to take my place as king.”
Next is Elsa from Frozen. Elsa’s story is one of struggling to control her powers and finding acceptance in herself. Like Quasimodo, Elsa initially hides away from the world, but by the end of the film, she has found the strength to embrace who she is and to let others see her for who she is. Speaking to Anna, her sister, Elsa says, “Love will thaw. Love. Of course! Elsa, love. . . . [I]f he loved you enough to do this, maybe you can love him enough to [undo] it.” In this moment, Elsa has found true strength through her love for her sister.
Finally, let’s discuss Mulan. Mulan is faced with the challenge of not only facing her own fears and doubts but also the expectations of her entire society. Like Quasimodo, Mulan learns to embrace who she is and overcomes the adversity she faces. Speaking to Li Shang, her love interest, Mulan says, “You don’t meet a girl like that every dynasty.” By the end of the film, Mulan has gone from being seen as an outsider in her society to being seen as a hero.
These characters all have something in common with Quasimodo: they initially face adversity but ultimately overcome it through their own strength, maturity, and self-acceptance. By the end of their stories, they have found the courage to embrace who they are and to let others see them for who they truly are.
Of course, this is not to say that there is no struggle involved in overcoming adversity. Quasimodo, for example, does not simply wake up one day with newfound strength. Instead, he is forced to face and overcome his own fears, and he does so with the help of his friends. Speaking to Esmeralda, who he has long had feelings for, Quasimodo says, “You speak of justice, yet you are cruel to those most in need of your help!” In this moment, Quasimodo has found the courage to speak out against injustices that he once would have been too afraid to confront.
Through these struggles, Quasimodo becomes a stronger, more mature person. Ultimately, he learns to see himself not as a monster but as a creature capable of love and compassion just like anyone else. Speaking to Frollo, who has always tormented him, Quasimodo says, “Why do you hate the world so much? What did the world ever do to you?” In this moment, Quasimodo has found not only empathy for himself but also for others.
Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a story of strength, resilience, and growth. It is through the struggles of Quasimodo and other Disney characters that we learn that adversity is not something to be avoided but rather embraced and overcome. In the end, Quasimodo learns that true strength comes from within and that he is capable of any challenge, no matter how daunting it may seem.
Disney characters like Quasimodo, Simba, Elsa, and Mulan all face adversity and obstacles but ultimately find strength in their self-acceptance, maturity, and love for others. Their struggles teach us that adversity can be embraced and overcome, and true strength comes from within.
“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” – Mulan
