KEEP GOING NORTH

“Whoa whoa whoa back off mate she’s mine!”

“Nu-uh! I called dibs!”

“Boys boys! Leave me be!”

Most often, I've seen these songs described as two equally unrealistic, unhealthy views of Esmeralda, which both objectify and dehumanize her, one as an angel and the other as a demon, conveying that neither Quasimodo nor Frollo belongs with her. As I've said many times, there's a kernel of truth in this, but I think the fandom grossly overemphasizes it and applies false equivalence to Quasimodo and Frollo.

But I think some of the differences between the two songs, which contrast Quasimodo with Frollo, deserve more attention.

In "Heaven's Light," Quasimodo never mentions Esmeralda's beauty. He only describes the warmth and affection she showed him; how she smiled at him and kissed his cheek. He doesn't sing about wanting to possess her, but about her feelings: "I dare to dream that she might even care for me." He doesn't even express hope that she loves him romantically, just that she cares for him – which she does. So he's not obsessed with a fantasy of her, but loves her for the warm, feeling person she is.

In "Hellfire," Frollo fixates on Esmeralda's physical appearance – her dancing, her smoldering eyes, her raven hair. And he doesn't give a single thought to her feelings or her point of view, only his own tortured desire for her. He doesn't even sing of wanting her to love him, only of wanting her to "be his." To him, she's just a sexy object that he's determined to either possess or destroy.

Another redraw of some art I did a few years ago. Since I'm using a new program now, I figure I might as well start refreshing my gallery! Original below the cut.