In "Miserables: Cosette," Victor Hugo explores the struggles of the downtrodden, highlighting how their constant misfortune prevents them from looking back at their past. The quote suggests that those who are miserable are acutely aware of their ongoing miseries, feeling as though they are perpetually followed by bad luck or a curse.

This sense of despair creates a cycle for these individuals, where their negative experiences hold them captive, making it difficult to escape or reflect on their circumstances productively. In essence, they are forced to confront their current plight without the possibility of understanding or overcoming their past struggles.