In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," the comparison between two types of rooms highlights the difference in value placed on mere sleep versus a more intimate, personal experience. A simple room meant for sleeping is inexpensive, costing only twenty sous, which indicates a lack of distinction in context or quality. This reflects a basic, utilitarian approach to rest, suggesting that the place one sleeps ought not to hold much emotional significance.

Conversely, a room where one retires, suggesting a deeper level of comfort and perhaps romance, commands a much higher price of twenty francs. This distinction emphasizes that the experiences associated with such a space are richer and more meaningful. It underscores how our environments can shape our experiences, with a more costly room signaling an investment in personal space and emotional connection.