In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," the author underscores the idea that revolutions can be categorized based on societal acceptance. Some revolutions are recognized and celebrated, often labeled simply as revolutions, whereas others, deemed illegitimate or undesirable, are referred to as riots. This distinction reveals how perception plays a crucial role in the legitimacy and recognition of social upheaval.

This commentary reflects a deeper commentary on the nature of social change and the forces that shape public opinion. A revolution may be seen as a noble cause in one context, while in another, it can be dismissed as mere disorder. Hugo's exploration of these themes emphasizes the complexities of societal response to upheaval and the fluid definitions of what constitutes a rightful revolution versus a problematic riot.