Deaf and Mute?

Maybe they were implying he had selective mutism. But wait a minute, was he supposed to be mute? I need to see this again. I was so sleepy when I watched it the first time but was determined to make it through, haha. I guess they mentioned that when he told her about the bells making him deaf?

What? No. I realize that they didn't beat the audience over the head with the following, but I still felt like it was the obvious conclusion to make:

The film NEVER "informs" us or shows us that Quasimodo is mute. The crowd assumes that he is both deaf and dumb. One of the themes of this movie (I don't know about the book as I haven't read it) is how people assume so many things about Quasimodo because of his appearance. When he speaks, that's our first clue that he's not what he seems. He's not a freak at all but brilliant, brave, and kind, but nobody but those in the church are aware of it because he stays away from the public. He slowly reveals his true self to Esmeralda (and in doing so, reveals himself to the audience as well.)

No, he cannot hear the crowds, but he has eyes in his head. He might not have understood what was going on at first because he's deaf and he was just hauled up on stage out of the blue, but then Esmeralda puts a crown on his head and they put him on a throne, so I think he figured it out. He relaxes and enjoys the festivities - he's included in something for the first time in his life.

"I don't want to make money. I just want to be wonderful."