In "Les Misérables," Victor Hugo distinguishes between the concepts of slaying wealth and dividing it. This quote suggests that simply redistributing riches does not address the deeper issues related to wealth. To illustrate, the act of slaying wealth implies a more profound transformation or rejection of materialism, implying that just sharing wealth does not equate to solving the challenges faced by society.

Hugo's perspective invites readers to reflect on the moral implications of wealth distribution. He suggests that addressing societal inequality demands more than just sharing resources; it requires a fundamental change in how we perceive and value wealth itself. This complexity highlights the need for a deeper understanding of economic justice and social responsibility.