In Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables," Fantine is faced with dire circumstances that compel her to consider desperate measures to survive. She contemplates the amount of money she needs, realizing that a hundred francs would significantly help her situation. However, she struggles to identify a legitimate way to earn such an income, indicating the limited options available to her in a society that offers little support.

Ultimately, in her desperation, Fantine decides to sell her remaining possessions. This decision leads her down a tragic path as she becomes involved in prostitution to provide for herself and her child. This moment marks a significant turning point in her life, highlighting the harsh realities faced by women in her position and the lengths to which they must go to secure their survival in an unforgiving world.