In "Les Miserables," Victor Hugo explores the inevitability of thoughts and feelings returning to a person's mind, similar to how the tides consistently return to the shore. This illustrates the persistent nature of our emotions and reflections, especially for those who have experienced guilt and remorse.

The comparison between the ocean's tides and the human psyche suggests that just as the sea is influenced by natural forces, our souls are affected by deeper currents of conscience. Hugo implies that divine intervention also plays a role in stirring our inner turmoil and guiding us through our emotional struggles.