The attempt has been made, and wrongly, to make a class of the bourgeoisie. The bourgeoisie is simply the contented portion of the people. The bourgeois is the man who now has time to sit down. A chair is not a caste.
In "Les Miserables," Victor Hugo critiques the classification of society into rigid social classes, specifically targeting the bourgeoisie. He argues that the bourgeoisie should not be seen as a distinct class but rather as a segment of the populace that is satisfied with their lives. Hugo asserts that the bourgeois individual, characterized by comfort and leisure, is not inherently superior or different from others, emphasizing that social status is not defined solely by wealth or possessions.
Furthermore, Hugo highlights the notion of material comfort, exemplified by something as simple as possessing a chair, which signifies a person's ability to relax and enjoy life. He challenges the idea that wealth creates a caste system, instead promoting the understanding that humanity transcends social hierarchies. In essence, his message underscores the importance of recognizing shared human experiences over imposed class divisions.
