“Not seeing people permits us to imagine them with every perfection.”
Victor Hugo book Les Misérables
Source: Les Misérables
Quotes from bookLes Misérables
Victor HugoOriginal title Les Misérables (French, 1862)
Les Misérables is a French historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. In the English-speaking world, the novel is usually referred to by its original French title. However, several alternatives have been used, including The Miserables, The Wretched, The Miserable Ones, The Poor Ones, The Wretched Poor, The Victims and The Dispossessed. Beginning in 1815 and culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris, the novel follows the lives and interactions of several characters, particularly the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption.Examining the nature of law and grace, the novel elaborates upon the history of France, the architecture and urban design of Paris, politics, moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love. Les Misérables has been popularized through numerous adaptations for film, television and the stage, including a musical.
“The realities of life do not allow themselves to be forgotten.”
Victor Hugo book Les Misérables
Source: Les Misérables
“The straight line, a respectable optical illusion which ruins many a man.”
Victor Hugo book Les Misérables
Source: Les Misérables
“To lie a little is not possible: he who lies, lies the whole lie.”
Victor Hugo book Les Misérables
Source: Les Misérables
“Be serious,” said Enjolras. “I am wild,” replied Grantaire.”
Victor Hugo book Les Misérables
Source: Les Misérables
“Every bird that flies has the thread of the infinite in its claw.”
Victor Hugo book Les Misérables
Source: Les Misérables
“The quantity of civilization is measured by the quality of imagination.”
Victor Hugo book Les Misérables
Source: Les Misérables
“Gentlemen of the human race, I say to hell with the lot of you.”
Victor Hugo book Les Misérables
Source: Les Misérables
Victor Hugo book Les Misérables
Variant: What is said about men often has as much influence upon their lives, and especially upon their destinies, as what they do.
Source: Les Misérables
