All this ferment was public, we might almost say tranquil.The imminent insurrection gathered its storm calmly in the face of the government. No singularity was lacking in this crisis, still subterranean, but already perceptible. The middle class talked quietly with workingmen about the preparations. They would say, How is the uprising coming along? in the same tone in which they would have said, How's your wife?
The atmosphere leading up to the insurrection in Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables" was marked by a sense of calm yet palpable tension. The public discussion around the potential uprising was surprisingly tranquil, almost as if it were a routine topic among citizens. The middle class engaged in straightforward conversations with the working class, casually inquiring about the state of the insurrection as one might ask about a family member's well-being.
This portrayal highlights the unconventional nature of the crisis, as it simmered just beneath the surface while remaining in plain sight. The lack of urgency in these discussions signifies a deeper collective awareness of the looming conflict, showcasing how such societal tensions can exist side by side with a normalcy that belies their weight. The idle exchanges reflect a brewing storm, indicating that significant change was on the horizon.
