“Blessed be Providence which has given to each his toy: the doll to the child, the child to the woman, the woman to the man, the man to the devil!”
- February 26, 1802 – May 22, 1885
- Born in France
- Author, poet, playwright
- Written novels and poems such as “Les Miserables” and “Notre-Dame de Paris,” he was a representative figure of French Romantic literature and had a worldwide influence.
Quote
“Blessed be Providence which has given to each his toy: the doll to the child, the child to the woman, the woman to the man, the man to the devil!”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo uses irony and humor to comment on the perceived roles and relationships between different figures in society. He presents life as a series of assignments given by Providence (a term referring to divine guidance or fate), where each person is given a role or toy: the child receives a doll, the woman receives the child, the man receives the woman, and the man, ultimately, is given to the devil. This final twist implies that human beings, in their pursuit of power, desire, and relationships, often fall victim to temptation or destruction, represented by the devil.
Hugo’s words reflect his critical view of human nature and societal roles. While the earlier stages of this sequence (doll, child, woman) may seem natural and innocent, the last part—where the man is given to the devil—suggests the corrupting nature of human ambition or fallibility. It’s an ironic commentary on how the relationships between men and women, and the roles assigned to each, ultimately lead to human frailty and moral conflict.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the idea that while life may seem divinely orchestrated with roles and purposes, human nature often leads to complications and failures. It humorously suggests that while we may be given our assignments or toys, there is a dark side to human relationships and pursuits, particularly when those involved become too attached to their desires or failings.
