...they no longer had any hope, but they had despair. Despair is a last weapon that sometimes brings victory; Virgil said so.
In "Les Miserables," Victor Hugo explores the theme of despair as a complex emotion that can unexpectedly lead to triumph. The characters experience a profound sense of hopelessness, yet this very feeling, while seemingly negative, becomes a powerful tool in their struggle. The notion that despair can serve as a weapon highlights the resilience of the human spirit even in dire circumstances.
Hugo references Virgil to emphasize that despair, despite being...