In Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables," the story revolves around the plight of society's marginalized individuals, referred to as the outcasts and underdogs. These characters, often seen as failures or misfits, personify the struggles faced by those living on the fringes of society. Their hardships highlight the broader themes of injustice and suffering prevalent in the human experience.

The quote emphasizes the notion that the most desperate and downtrodden among us are the ones who most urgently require compassion and support. Instead of casting blame, Hugo advocates for understanding and charity towards these individuals, suggesting that society has a moral obligation to uplift those in need rather than dismiss them.