In "Les Misérables," Victor Hugo depicts the universe as a vast source of suffering and affliction. The protagonist perceives the world not as a place of beauty, but rather as a grand illness, where pain and fever are prevalent. This perspective reflects a deep sense of empathy towards the struggles of humanity and highlights the pervasive nature of sorrow in life.

Rather than attempting to understand the complex mysteries of existence, he focuses on alleviating the hardships faced by others. This impulse to heal and provide comfort emphasizes the importance of compassion and action in the face of adversity, suggesting that addressing suffering is a vital response to the human condition.