In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," the author reflects on the pervasive gloom within society and how corruption ultimately taints the notion of success. This illustrates a stark reality where achievement often comes at a moral cost, suggesting that what is deemed successful might be rooted in dishonesty or unethical behavior.

Hugo’s portrayal highlights the struggles of individuals trying to find redemption in a world where integrity seems compromised. The underlying message warns that true success should be measured not by wealth or status but by the values and principles that guide one's actions, underscoring the need for moral clarity in a corrupt landscape.