In Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, the quote suggests a stark contrast between the sacred and the profane. It depicts a disturbing image of priests, usually seen as figures of moral authority, engaging in the act of consuming human flesh. This metaphor highlights the hypocrisy and moral decay present in society, indicating that ritualistic traditions can lead to barbaric behaviors when stripped of genuine faith.
The quote also implies that, like all other scenes in the book, this moment masks deeper truths about humanity's nature. It underscores the themes of duality and the tension between appearance and reality. Through this powerful imagery, Hugo challenges readers to reflect on the complexities of moral integrity amid societal norms, urging a closer examination of what lies beneath the surface of established roles and beliefs.