Skip to content

Gloomy Quote by Victor Hugo

“The earth was thus better lighted than the sky, which produces a particularly sinister effect, and the hill, whose contour was poor and mean, was outlined vague and wan against the gloomy horizon. The whole effect was hideous, petty, lugubrious, and narrow.” quote by Victor Hugo
Download Open image
““The earth was thus better lighted than the sky, which produces a particularly sinister effect, and the hill, whose contour was poor and mean, was outlined vague and wan against the gloomy horizon. The whole effect was hideous, petty, lugubrious, and narrow.””

Victor Hugo

About This Quote

Source Novel: Les Misérables, Victor Hugo, 1862

The dimly lit earth creates a sinister, gloomy atmosphere, making the landscape appear ugly and oppressive.

In simple terms: Dark lighting makes the scene feel ominous and bleak.

Key Takeaway

Use lighting to set mood.

Themes

atmosphere description tone

Mood

evocative somber

Type

descriptive literary

When to use this quote

  • film noir
  • theater set design
  • creative writing
  • photography

Key Concepts

visual imagery environmental storytelling

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does lighting influence emotional perception?
  • What alternatives could soften the scene?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on gloom can overwhelm the audience.

2.9 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Victor Hugo

Explore all 2,181 Victor Hugo quotes

More Gloomy quotes

Browse all 293 Gloomy quotes