"Monstrously Overburdened with Details"

"Hugo's descriptions of Parisian places is monstrously overburdened with details."  If you recall from my last post (which, yes, was over a week ago) you'll recall this quote from the translator on Hugo's architectural flair for descriptive-ness.  Let's just say she was acutely accurate; however, I will say that I have excellent fodder for creatively imagining the setting in which this novel takes place. 

I've trudged through a mire of extensive detail of the Palais de Justice, (below) the central figure of the first few chapters of The Hunchback.  Our narrator describes for us a cacophony of Parisian plebs in celebratory mood as it's the Feast of Fools, a day in the life of medieval Paris that allows the masses to sarcastically insult the bourgeoisie. 

All are gathered to the great hall of the palace to watch a "morality play."  Hugo provides a thorough description of the play's author, Pierre Gringoire, a "blonde, tall and slender, pale, still young, with sparkling eyes and smiling lips."  Hugo gives ample text to miniature stories happening simultaneously--Pierre charming two nubile French maids, a beggar annoying the play's actors, the pompous entrace of the Cardinal and the Flemish dignatries (for which the play is being performed) and descriptions of the energetic young men shouting inflammatory comments to the clergy, much to the audience's cheer.

I will admit that in only a few pages I already have a vivid and detailed image of the setting for this novel.  I will also admit it takes some energy to make it through the details!