In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," he explores the profound effects of grief on human nature. The quote highlights how sorrow can strip away the facade of adulthood, revealing a more vulnerable, childlike side. Grief often affects individuals in ways that cause them to revert to simpler emotions and behaviors, reflecting an innate desire for comfort and understanding in times of loss.

This perspective on grief emphasizes the universal experience of pain, showing that it can lead to a deepening of one's emotional state. Hugo suggests that confronting sorrow can ultimately make individuals more empathetic, as it brings forth the innocence and humanity often buried beneath the complexities of adult life.