“It is the end. But of what? The end of France? No. The end of kings? Yes.”
- 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
“It is the end. But of what? The end of France? No. The end of kings? Yes.”
Explanation
In this quote, Victor Hugo reflects on a pivotal moment in history, likely referring to the fall of the monarchy and the beginning of revolution in France. The phrase “It is the end” marks the conclusion of something significant, and Hugo poses a rhetorical question about what exactly is coming to an end. He immediately dismisses the idea that it is the end of France itself—indicating that despite the upheaval and changes, the nation will endure. However, he acknowledges that it is indeed the end of kings, signaling the fall of monarchies and the rise of a new era in which royal power is no longer the foundation of governance.
Hugo’s words reflect his support for social change, especially the end of autocratic rule and the idea of monarchical tyranny. This sentiment is aligned with the values of the French Revolution, which sought to dismantle the old order and establish a new system based on equality, liberty, and fraternity. Hugo highlights the symbolic power of the monarchy’s fall—not as the destruction of the nation, but as the removal of an oppressive system of rule.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the idea that societies can go through transformative changes, where the systems of power or authority may collapse, but the core identity of the nation or culture can survive. It suggests that while monarchical rule may have come to an end, the spirit of the people, their values, and the nation’s legacy will continue, evolving into a new form of governance. It reflects the inevitability of change in history and the idea that progress often requires the overthrow of outdated systems.
