Victor Hugo emphasizes the pervasive issues of social injustice in his work, highlighting how societal constructs create suffering and despair. He critiques the existence of social damnation, which inflicts misery through laws and customs that distort human potential and morality. Hugo stresses that as long as problems like the exploitation of the working class, the plight of women facing hunger, and the neglect of children persist, literature holds significant value in addressing these injustices.

Furthermore, Hugo suggests that the ongoing presence of ignorance and suffering underscores the importance of storytelling in society. Books, such as "Les Misérables," serve not only as reflections of reality but also as catalysts for awareness and change. They remain relevant in the fight against the social suffocation that exists in various forms, reminding readers of their collective responsibility to confront these enduring issues. Through literature, Hugo believes there is hope for enlightenment and progress in the face of adversity.