In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," the quote reflects the character's inner thoughts about ambition and personal identity. The phrase suggests a clear distinction between different roles and aspirations, indicating that the character feels being a saddle-horse does not align with his true nature. This highlights a desire to pursue creative expression rather than traditional responsibilities.

Through this exploration of ambition, Hugo emphasizes how individuals often grapple with societal expectations and their personal desires. The character's conviction of wanting to "draw" rather than "carry" symbolizes a deeper yearning for artistic freedom over conforming to conventional roles, illustrating the broader theme of self-identity in the novel.