In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," the changing perceptions of an individual highlight society's tendency to label people based on their actions. Initially, when others observe him acquiring wealth, he is praised as a businessman. However, when he chooses to spend his money freely, he is labeled ambitious, showcasing a duality in how ambition is viewed depending on context.

As the character continues to reject societal honors, he is seen as an adventurer, suggesting a level of defiance against conventional success. Ultimately, when he distances himself from society, he is deemed brute-like, indicating how society often misjudges those who do not conform to its expectations. This illustrates the fickleness of societal judgment and the complexities of personal identity.