In Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables," the protagonist experiences a profound admiration for a woman whose beauty captivates him completely. He perceives her as embodying a blend of femininity and angelic grace, which evokes admiration akin to that felt by legendary poets like Petrarch and Dante. This description suggests a timeless and transcendent quality to her beauty, elevating it to a status that transforms the beholder's experience into one of reverence.
The emotional impact of her beauty is not merely physical; it represents a deeper, almost spiritual allure. Her wholeness of beauty resonates with the ideals celebrated in classical literature, reflecting a connection between art and profound love. This moment captures the essence of romantic admiration, illustrating how beauty can inspire creativity and deep feelings in those who behold it.