Are the gargoyles in The Hunchback of Notre Dame alive?

In the 1996 Disney film The Hunchback of Notre Dame most of the comic relief comes from the trio of gargoyles, Quasimodo’s friends. Having seen this again for the first time in a decade, I want to theorize with you. Do you think the gargoyles are alive?

(Do I need to put a Spoiler Alert here when we’re talking about a 20 year old Disney film and judging by how you’ve already clicked this, you’ve probably seen the movie? Well, if I do…SPOILERS. There you go.)

Theory 1: Quasimodo is hallucinating

At first glance, the gargoyles seem like Quasi’s imaginary friends. He’s all alone with no one nice to talk to. It makes sense that he would pretend the gargoyles like him and can speak. He might be doing this consciously but I’m not sure.

They don’t move or talk around other people. Quasi is even told stone can’t talk and he regretfully acknowledges it. At one point, after they break into song we see Quasi, surrounded by objects to make it look like it did in his head, snap out of his trance to help Phoebus. Nothing here really suggests he didn’t just put those things there himself. Under the circumstances this makes a lot of sense.

Theory 2: They’re guardian angels

Much of the movie involves religion. It’s possible the cathedral is filled with spirits watching over Paris and Quasi specifically. They’ve seen how he desperately needs friends so they’re there for him when he’s feeling down. They may not be the smartest guardian angels but it’s the thought that counts.

I’m willing to bet most of the cathedral is…haunted? Possessed? None of these words sound right. But you know what I mean. I think since the goat saw one of the gargoyles make a face at him and freaked out, it’s not just Quasi who sees them.

They even help fight off some of the soldiers at the end of the movie! They had a real impact on their surroundings. They didn’t seem imaginary all the time.

Frollo sees one of the pillars on the cathedral growl at him before it breaks and he falls to his death. But I have another idea that involves that.

Theory 3: They represent to the audience what the characters are thinking

The gargoyles sing about how great Quasi is when he thinks he can’t get the girl. Frollo sees the pillar move when he realizes everyone hates him and he’s going to die. This might just be an aspect of their storytelling.

The gargoyles show Quasi’s hope. The pillar shows Frollo’s fear. Why the goat would want a gargoyle to make kissing faces at him, I don’t know, but it’s possible.

Theory 4: It’s Disney magic

This is a pretty serious and dark Disney film. It really is not given the credit it deserves. Because it is Disney though, who’s to say they aren’t actually really alive? That’s just how things work sometimes.

But seeing as how the only “magic” in this film is the gypsy’s “witchcraft,” I don’t think good old fashioned Disney magic fits in this movie.

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What do you think?

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