In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," the protagonist experiences a profound mental state characterized by a chaotic yet unsettling calmness. This state of mind is intense and immersive, leading to a disconnect from the surrounding reality while allowing for deep reflection and thought. It highlights the duality of experiencing inner turmoil accompanied by a strange clarity.

This mental condition illustrates how thoughts can overshadow the physical world, blurring the lines between internal perception and external reality. As the character immerses himself in contemplation, he perceives vivid shapes and ideas in his mind, creating a complex inner landscape that pulls focus away from the immediate environment.