In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," the quote highlights a profound aspect of human nature—the tendency to cling to hope and illusions even in the face of despair. It suggests that the soul persists in searching for light and meaning, refusing to succumb to hopelessness until every possible avenue of belief or comfort has been explored and exhausted.

This idea speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, illustrating that individuals often endure struggles and challenges, holding onto dreams and aspirations. Only when all those illusions have faded does true despair take hold, highlighting the importance of hope in our lives and the lengths to which we go to find solace.