In "Les Misérables," Victor Hugo captures the profound and often enigmatic experience of falling in love. He describes it as a complex yet delightful emotional journey, marked by the heart's awakening to new feelings. The transition from indifference to love is portrayed as a significant life change that is both mysterious and deeply pleasurable.

Hugo highlights the poignant image of an old man rejuvenated with a new heart, symbolizing the transformative power of love. This renewal not only reflects the joy and richness that love brings but also underscores the universal human longing for connection and affection, regardless of age or past experiences.