“The ox suffers, the cart complains.”
- February 26, 1802 – May 22, 1885
- Born in France
- Author, poet, playwright
table of contents
Quote
“The ox suffers, the cart complains.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo uses the metaphor of the ox and the cart to convey the idea that, while the ox bears the physical burden and suffers from the weight, the cart—which is inanimate—only expresses discomfort indirectly through the sound of its creaking or complaining. The ox represents the individual or worker, who endures the direct hardship and labor, while the cart symbolizes the system or structure that benefits from the labor without experiencing the same level of suffering. Hugo’s words highlight the disparity between those who carry the weight of society’s burdens and those who are merely part of the system that facilitates the work.
Hugo’s message resonates with themes of social justice and the inequality of labor. The ox, in this case, represents the common people or working class, whose sacrifices are often invisible or underappreciated, while the cart—the system, institutions, or those in power—only complains or expresses dissatisfaction when things go wrong, without ever fully bearing the burden. The metaphor suggests a critique of social structures that allow the oppressed to suffer while those in power enjoy the benefits without experiencing the same struggles.
In modern contexts, this quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the exploitation of the working class, where labor and suffering are disproportionately placed on the most vulnerable, while the systems or entities that benefit from their labor are more concerned with complaints or dissatisfaction when things are not going smoothly. Hugo’s words encourage us to acknowledge the hidden suffering of the hardworking and oppressed, reminding us to reassess the fairness of the systems in place and to advocate for greater equality and justice.
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