In "Les Misérables," Victor Hugo addresses the pressing social issues of his time, highlighting the suffering caused by poverty, hunger, and neglect. He emphasizes that the challenges faced by humanity—such as the degradation of individuals through extreme poverty, the impact of hunger on women, and the detrimental effects of insufficient education and care on children—remain unresolved and critical. These problems continue to plague society, calling for action and reform.

Hugo's work serves as a poignant reminder of the moral responsibility to uplift the downtrodden and vulnerable. He illustrates how these societal issues intertwine and affect the fabric of human life, urging readers to recognize the need for compassion and change. His reflections on human dignity and the necessity for social justice resonate deeply, emphasizing that true progress cannot be achieved while such fundamental injustices persist.