The Invention of Hugo Cabret Truth

If the saying goes, “The truth will set you free,” then Hugo and Isabelle must really be jonesing for some freedom, because they are unrelenting in their search for the truth about the automaton and about Papa Georges in The Invention of Hugo Cabret. What they find is more fantastic than they ever dreamed. Not only is Papa Georges not dead (like the books say!), but also he’s also a famous filmmaker, magician, and all around awesome guy. Who woulda thought?

Questions About Truth

1. What is the “truth” that Hugo and Isabelle are searching for when it comes to Papa Georges? And why do they want to learn that truth?
2. Why is Hugo so intent on figuring out what the automaton does?
3. Why does everyone in the book have to have so many secrets?

Chew on This

Hugo sets out to figure out what the automaton does, but in the end, he really discovers a lot more about the people he knows (Méliès and Isabelle) and how important they are to him.

Even though Méliès is initially sick with the idea of his secret past being revealed, in the end the truth is what allows him to move forward.