From the beginning of the novel, Selznick establishes Hugo’s father’s notebook as a critical symbol for both Hugo and Georges. For Hugo, the notebook symbolizes his connection with his late father. The notebook contains numerous drawings that Hugo’s dad created when disassembling and rebuilding the automaton he discovered the attic of the museum where he worked. Hugo and his father were both fascinated by the automaton, and Hugo encouraged his father to repair it in his spare time. So, when Hugo looks at the notebook, he sees his father’s handwriting and drawings and remembers their bond.

The notebook also acts as a key to a better future. Hugo’s life at the train station is stressful, challenging, and lonely, and he desperately wants a better life. He believes that once repaired, the automaton will write a message that will help him achieve this goal. Hugo must use the notebook, and his father’s notes and diagrams within, to fix the automaton. Thus, the notebook is critical to the better future of which Hugo dreams. Hugo becomes upset when Georges claims he burned the notebook, and he constantly demands it back. He also safeguards its secrets, refusing to tell Georges and

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