Why Victor Hugo’s ‘How to be a Grandfather’ Took A Century To Be Translated

Victor Hugo is one of the greats in French Literature. Poet, novelist and playwright, Hugo’s work covers a range of genres and topics. Hugo’s influence is immense, not only in literature, but also in politics, music and much more. Throughout his life Hugo experienced first hand the incredible changes that were happening in France. From the 1832 June Rebellion and the 1848 Revolution to the Coup of 1851, France’s identity and politics were in constant upheaval. These experiences can be seen as clear catalysts for several of Hugo’s works, such as Les Misérables. However it was his personal life that inspired the beautiful poetry that won the hearts of French people. Amidst the restless political and social climate of France, Hugo had five children with his wife Adèle before he was exiled. Sadly, Hugo outlived all of his children except for his youngest, who was named after her mother. This trauma greatly effected Hugo and his work, especially the loss of his favourite child, Léopoldine, at the young age of 19. Hugo wrote the poem ‘Tomorrow, At Daybreak’ about traveling to her grave.