In Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables," the quote highlights the enduring presence of suffering and social injustice in society. The term "misérables" refers to the downtrodden individuals who experience hardship, and their existence signifies a perpetual state of unrest and discontent. The imagery of a cloud suggests looming troubles that can evolve into greater societal issues.

The reference to a "phantom that can become Marat" implies that the unresolved grievances of the marginalized can lead to revolutionary figures or movements. Hugo emphasizes that as long as there are oppressed individuals, the potential for upheaval remains, reflecting the connection between suffering and the need for change in society.