But you are good-natured princes, and you do not think it a bad thing that belief in the good God should constitute the philosophy of the people, very much as the goose stuffed with chestnuts is the truffled turkey of the poor. CHAPTER
In Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables," the author contrasts the noble intentions of good-natured princes with the hardships faced by the common people. He suggests that the belief in a benevolent God serves as a guiding philosophy for the populace, providing hope and comfort amidst their struggles. This faith is likened to a simple meal—much like a goose stuffed with chestnuts being the poor man's version of the more luxurious truffled turkey, illustrating the disparities between different social classes.
Hugo's message emphasizes the importance of faith as a source of strength for the underprivileged. While the princes may not see this belief as detrimental, it underscores a deeper societal issue where the poor rely on spirituality to cope with their harsh realities. This analogy reveals the contrasting layers of existence, drawing a vivid picture of the disparities between wealth and poverty, and the role that faith plays in preserving the dignity of the less fortunate.
