You have suffered greatly, poor mother. Oh ! do not lament, you have now the portion of the elect. It is in this way that mortals become angels. It is not their fault ; they do not know how to set about it otherwise. This hell from which you have come out is the first step towards Heaven. We must begin by that.
In Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables," a mother reflects on her profound suffering and loss, expressing deep sorrow over her situation. A comforting voice reassures her that her struggles have not been in vain, suggesting that such painful experiences are integral to the journey toward spiritual elevation. The idea presented is that suffering is a transformative process that can lead one closer to a higher state of existence, akin to becoming an angel.
This perspective emphasizes that humanity often grapples with hardships without fully understanding their purpose. The passage suggests that enduring personal hell is a necessary prelude to attaining Heaven, implying a divine or moral order to suffering. In essence, it portrays hardship as an essential step in the path to enlightenment and redemption.
