Misérables

Misérables, a term derived from the French word for "miserable" or "wretched," broadly refers to individuals experiencing extreme poverty, suffering, and social destitution. The concept gained widespread recognition through Victor Hugo's epic novel, Les Misérables, published in 1862. Hugo's work vividly portrays the lives of the poor and oppressed in 19th-century France, highlighting themes of social injustice, poverty, and redemption.

In the context of the novel, "misérables" are those marginalized by society, often victims of circumstance, harsh laws, and systemic inequality. These characters include ex-convicts, impoverished laborers, orphans, and prostitutes, all struggling to survive in a world that offers them little hope or opportunity. The term transcends mere financial hardship, encompassing emotional and spiritual suffering as well.

Beyond literature, the term "misérables" can be applied to any group or individual facing dire conditions, whether due to economic collapse, natural disaster, war, or ongoing societal neglect. It serves as a powerful descriptor for those whose lives are characterized by profound hardship and a lack of basic necessities. The enduring legacy of Hugo's novel has cemented the term's association with profound human suffering and the desperate fight for dignity in the face of overwhelming adversity.