Ordinarily it ends in that ocean: revolution. Sometimes, however, coming from those lofty mountains which dominate the moral horizon, justice, wisdom, reason, right, formed of the pure snow of the ideal, after a long fall from rock to rock, after having reflected the sky in its transparency and increased by a hundred affluents in the majestic mien of triumph, insurrection is suddenly lost in some quagmire, as the Rhine is in a swamp.
In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," the author explores the profound relationship between revolution and ideals, drawing a vivid analogy to natural landscapes. Typically, revolutions culminate in an expansive ocean, symbolizing an ultimate resolution. Yet, there are instances when high ideals like justice and reason, represented as lofty mountains, descend and become ensnared in mire, failing to achieve their intended glorious outcome. This imagery underscores the unpredictable nature of social upheaval.
Hugo's metaphor emphasizes how noble pursuits can be derailed despite their noble intentions. The journey from the heights of idealism to the depths of despair illustrates the complexity of human struggles for justice. Just as the Rhine River can disappear into a swamp, so too can uprisings falter, drowning in obstacles that prevent the realization of their lofty goals. Through this, Hugo highlights the fragility of hope amidst the struggle for a better future.
