Love Quote by Victor Hugo
““I have an old hat which is not worth three francs, I have a coat which lacks buttons in front, my shirt is all ragged, my elbows are torn, my boots let in the water; for the last six weeks I have not thought about it, and I have not told you about it. You only see me at night, and you give me your love; if you were to see me in the daytime, you would give me a sou!””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Les Misérables, 1862
The speaker, a poor, ragged man, reveals that despite his dire appearance, he receives love at night but would be rejected if seen in daylight, highlighting societal prejudice based on appearance.
In simple terms: Love is conditional on appearance.
Key Takeaway
Seek genuine acceptance beyond looks.
Themes
poverty
social injustice
love
identity
Mood
melancholic
hopeful
Type
literary
social commentary
When to use this quote
- charity work
- social services
- personal relationships
- advocacy
Key Concepts
prejudice
class disparity
human dignity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does appearance affect how we are treated?
- What can change societal bias?
A Different Perspective
It may romanticize suffering rather than address systemic issues.
