The quote from Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables" suggests that women, much like children handling a dangerous object, often engage with their beauty in a way that can lead to harm. It implies that there is a duality in beauty, where the pursuit or obsession with it can result in negative consequences, much like a child playing carelessly with a knife. This highlights the fragility of beauty and the risks that come with it.

The comparison paints a vivid picture of innocence overshadowed by danger, indicating that the desire to be seen as beautiful can lead to emotional or social wounds. Hugo's statement reflects a deeper commentary on societal expectations and the pressures women face regarding their appearance, reinforcing the idea that beauty, while often celebrated, can also be a source of pain and complication.