In "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame," the narrator expresses a longing to reconnect with someone significant from their past. They desire to experience the physical presence of this person again, to understand their true identity, and to see if this reality aligns with the idealized image that has lingered in their mind. This yearning reflects the universal theme of reconciling dreams with reality.

The quote underscores the tension between nostalgia and the potential disillusionment that comes with confronting the truth. It highlights the fear that meeting the person may disrupt the perfect vision that has been built over time, illustrating the complexities of human relationships and perceptions. The interplay of idealism and reality is a central motif in Hugo's work, inviting readers to ponder the nature of their own dreams and the people they idolize.