In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," the author addresses the plight of widowers, empathizing with their hardships and emotional struggles. He draws upon a proclamation made by Bonaparte to the army of Italy, highlighting a sense of dire need and loss that resonates deeply with those who have lost their partners. This comparison illustrates the profound emptiness felt by those mourning their loved ones, emphasizing their lack of support and connection.

The reference to Bonaparte's declaration serves as a powerful metaphor for the challenges faced by widowers. Just as soldiers are deprived of essential resources, so too are these men confronted with the absence of companionship and love. Hugo’s poignant words underline the universality of suffering and the longing for connection in times of profound grief, mirroring the struggles that many endure through loss.