It seemed to be a necessary ritual that he should prepare himself for sleep by meditating under the solemnity of the night sky... a mysterious transaction between the infinity of the soul and the infinity of the universe.
Victor HugoRead
History has its truth; and so has legend hers.
Interpretation
What this quote means
History and legend both provide their own versions of truth, highlighting the difference between factual accounts and narrative interpretations.
This quote by Victor Hugo suggests that both history and legend contain elements of truth, but they do so in different ways. While history relies on factual evidence and chronological events, legends draw from cultural narratives and collective beliefs, creating a unique interpretation of experiences and events. By acknowledging both perspectives, we can develop a deeper understanding of our past and its impact on society and culture.
Themes
HistoryLegendTruthPerspectiveNarrative
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a history class discussion about subjective interpretations of events.
More from Victor Hugo
All quotes βWhen two mouths, made sacred by love, draw near to each other to create, it is impossible, that above that ineffable kiss there should not be a thrill in the immense mystery of the stars.
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At that moment of love, a moment when passion is absolutely silent under omnipotence of ecstasy, Marius, pure seraphic Marius, would have been more capable of visiting a woman of the streets than of raising Cosetteβs dress above the ankle. Once on a moonlit night, Cosette stopped to pick up something from the ground, her dress loosened and revealed the swelling of her breasts. Marius averted his eyes.
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Thought is the work of the intellect, reverie is its self-indulgence. To substitute day-dreaming for thought is to confuse a poison with a source of nourishment.
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Taste is the common sense of genius.
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Forget not, never forget that you have promised me to use this silver to become an honest man.... Jean Valjean, my brother: you belong no longer to evil, but to good. It is your soul that I am buying for you. I withdraw it from dark thoughts and from the spirit of perdition, and I give it to God!
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