Superstitions, bigotries, affected devotion, prejudices, those forms all forms as they are, are tenacious of life; they have teeth and nails in their smoke, and they must be clasped close, body to body, and war must be made on them, and that without truce; for it is one of the fatalities of humanity to be condemned to eternal combat with phantoms. It is difficult to seize darkness by the throat, and to hurl it to the earth.
In "Les Miserables," Victor Hugo explores the persistent nature of superstitions and prejudices, likening them to formidable monsters that cling to human life. These deeply ingrained beliefs are difficult to eradicate, requiring constant vigilance and struggle. Hugo emphasizes the need for relentless warfare against these detrimental influences, suggesting that they are a tragic aspect of human existence, one that requires an ongoing battle without respite.
The author highlights the challenge of confronting these 'phantoms' of society, illustrating that striving to overcome ignorance and hatred is akin to grappling with the darkness itself. The metaphor of attempting to grasp shadows underscores the elusive nature of these ingrained beliefs, indicating that, despite our best efforts, they remain resilient and pervasive. In this light, the fight against such ideas is portrayed not just as a personal struggle, but as a universal human endeavor.
