☝️ Key Points
- 'Belle' is sung by the three main characters Quasimodo, Frollo, and Phoebus, all expressing their love and desire for the same woman, Esmeralda
- 'Belle' is used to emphasize Esmeralda's purity and innocence, describing her beauty as almost supernatural
- The song reveals an internal conflict of the characters between their religious duties and their human desire for Esmeralda
- The characters plead for redemption and grace while expressing their desire for Esmeralda
- 'Belle' is about unrequited love, desire, and the conflict between moral duty and human desire
Interpretation
"Belle" is a song from the musical "Notre-Dame de Paris" and is sung by the three main characters: Quasimodo, Frollo, and Phoebus. Each of them expresses their love and desire for the same woman, Esmeralda.
"Belle" not only means 'beautiful' in this context, but also 'pure' and 'innocent', highlighting Esmeralda's purity and innocence. The lines "C'est un mot qu'on dirait inventé pour elle" (It's like the word was invented just for her) and "Est-ce le diable qui s'est incarné en elle" (Has the devil incarnated in her?) emphasize Esmeralda's almost supernatural beauty and allure.
The characters express their deep longing and confusion as their love for Esmeralda goes against their religious beliefs and societal norms. This is evident in the lines "A quoi me sert encore de prier Notre-Dame" (What good is it for me to pray to Our Lady anymore?) and "La désirer fait-il de moi un criminel" (Does desiring her make me a criminal?).
Throughout the song, the characters' internal conflict between religious duty and human desire is revealed. They ask for redemption and grace while also longing for the opportunity to satisfy their desires. This is conveyed through the lines "Ô Lucifer ! Laisse-moi rien qu'une fois Glisser mes doigts dans les cheveux d'Esmeralda" (Oh Lucifer, let me just once run my fingers through Esmeralda's hair) and "Ô Notre-Dame ! Laisse-moi rien qu'une fois Pousser la porte du jardin d'Esmeralda" (Oh Our Lady, let me just once open the door to Esmeralda's garden).
Overall, "Belle" is a song about unrequited love, desire, and the conflict between moral and human needs."