In "Les Miserables," Victor Hugo explores the complex relationship women have with their beauty. The character recognizes her allure and feels empowered, but this power comes with a sense of danger and vulnerability. Beauty, while often seen as an advantage, can also inflict harm, much like a weapon. The idea suggests that wielding beauty is akin to a child playing with a knife; it can be both captivating and harmful.

Hugo's metaphor indicates that beauty can be a double-edged sword, offering the ability to attract and influence, yet also causing self-harm. Women, like children, may find themselves inadvertently hurt by their own beauty, reflecting the struggles inherent in societal expectations and personal identity. This duality highlights the emotional weight carried by women and the societal pressures surrounding their roles and perceptions of beauty.