In "Les Miserables," Victor Hugo reflects on the paradoxical nature of war, describing armies as intricate formations where the power to fight stems from collective weakness. This insight emphasizes the irony that organized military might emerges from the vulnerability of individuals rather than their strength, highlighting the complexity of human conflict.

Hugo portrays war as a tragic phenomenon enacted by people against one another, suggesting that it contradicts the very essence of humanity. This perspective invites contemplation on the futile destruction that occurs, underscoring the painful reality of human relations marred by violence and conflict.