In "The Count of Monte Cristo," the quote compares the joy experienced by those who have endured suffering to the refreshing dew that nourishes parched ground after a drought. Just as the earth absorbs dew, which revitalizes it without immediate visual signs, a heart that has faced long hardship also takes in joy, providing an internal healing that may not be readily visible to others.

This metaphor highlights the transformative power of joy, suggesting that both the heart and ground require time and patience to recover from prolonged distress. Inner change often goes unnoticed, yet it plays a crucial role in the rejuvenation process, emphasizing the need for both resilience and the arrival of nurturing experiences in overcoming adversity.