Waterloo is the hinge of the nineteenth century. The disappearance of the great man was necessary to the advent of the great century. Some one, a person to whom one replies not, took the responsibility on himself. The panic of heroes can be explained. In the battle of Waterloo there is something more than a cloud, there is something of the meteor.
In "Les Miserables," Victor Hugo reflects on the decisive importance of the Battle of Waterloo in shaping the 19th century. He suggests that this pivotal moment marked the end of an era dominated by great individuals, leading to the emergence of a new epoch characterized by collective progress. The sentiment captures a shift in responsibility from heroic figures to the broader forces of history.
Hugo acknowledges the fear and uncertainty experienced by historical figures during the battle, which he describes as resembling a meteor's impact rather than just a fleeting shadow. This metaphor emphasizes the dramatic and far-reaching consequences of Waterloo, positioning it as a defining event that altered the course of nations and histories.
