Corpses Quote by Victor Hugo
““War has frightful beauties which we have not concealed; it has also, we acknowledge, some hideous features. One of the most surprising is the prompt stripping of the bodies of the dead after the victory. The dawn which follows a battle always rises on naked corpses.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: "Les Misérables", 1862
War possesses both alluring and horrific aspects, including the gruesome practice of stripping bodies after victory.
In simple terms: War is both beautiful and brutal, especially after victory.
Key Takeaway
Recognize war’s dual nature, seek peace.
Themes
war
beauty
horror
Mood
somber
critical
Type
literary
historical
When to use this quote
- military history
- peace activism
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
ethical paradox
human cruelty
Questions to Reflect On
- How do societies justify war’s beauty?
- What can prevent post‑victory atrocities?
A Different Perspective
Romanticizing war obscures suffering.
![“René of Anjou [(1409-80)] painted a picture of his mistress's corpse as he found it eaten by worms on having it [her tomb] openedon his return from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This [is] another instance of the strange mixture of religion and gallantry in those ages.” quote by Horace Walpole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aba/horace-walpole-3357_age_ren-of-anjou-1409-80-painted-a-picture-o_33917.jpg)
![“Of course I think it's a movie for everybody [Insane Farting Corpse], but that's probably just because it's a movie for me.” quote by Paul Dano](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/14e/paul-dano-2579_corpses_of-course-i-think-it-s-a-movie-for-every_14478.jpg)
