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.