In "Les Miserables," Victor Hugo presents a profound perspective on animals, suggesting that they embody the traits of humanity, both good and bad. He proposes that these creatures serve as mirrors, reflecting our virtues and vices for us to observe. Each animal represents a facet of the human soul, illustrating our inner character through their behavior and existence.

Hugo implies that God has placed these animals in our lives as a source of reflection, encouraging us to contemplate our actions and moral standings. By witnessing the essence of ourselves in the animals around us, we are prompted to consider our own virtues and shortcomings, fostering a deeper understanding of our humanity.