In becoming dirt, she has been turned to stone. To touch her is to feel a chill.
In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," there is a poignant transformation of a character who becomes so deeply affected by her circumstances that she is metaphorically turned to stone. This suggests a sense of desolation and emotional detachment, as if the harsh realities of life have rendered her cold and unapproachable. The imagery of "becoming dirt" implies a loss of dignity and humanity, showcasing the depths of suffering that can strip away one's warmth and vibrancy.
The line about feeling a chill when touching her enhances the notion that her experiences have created a barrier. It illustrates the profound impact of hardship on a person's spirit, suggesting that they are no longer fully alive or accessible to others. This chilling quality serves as a reminder of the harshness of life and the emotional scars that can turn a once-vibrant individual into an unfeeling figure, lost to her pain.
